The notion that tanks are becoming obsolete on the battlefield rivals only the idea that there is no future for attack helicopters. In this context, drones are referred to as the "killers" of both.
The cancellation of the Pentagon's FARA project after spending over $2 billion aimed at developing an armed reconnaissance helicopter is often cited as an argument. Meanwhile, France has taken a different approach, viewing drones not as "killers" of attack helicopters, but as complements to them.
In 2024, the French Army Aviation began experimenting with the integration of drones into light helicopters, aiming to create even "loyal wingmen" for helicopters, as reported by Zone Militaire.
Specifically, the 3rd Helicopter Regiment, equipped with Gazelle light helicopters and Puma transport helicopters, has been the base for these experiments. French helicopter pilots have already practiced using FPV drones with the Gazelle. The primary tangible goal is to enhance the capabilities of the reconnaissance-strike framework. Simply put, the helicopter is intended to serve as a carrier for UAVs, launching them to search for and eliminate targets.
Plans include developing drones for helicopters that can conduct reconnaissance flights up to 50 km away from the carrier and engage targets at a range of up to 20 km. Such drones are set to be included in the armament of the new H160M Guepard Joint Light Helicopter for the French Air Force.
Following this, France plans to develop a fully functional helicopter "loyal wingman," similar to existing drones for fighter jets. The timelines for this project have not been disclosed by the French military, but they believe that by 2040, aerial combat will be "drone-ized."
It's important to note that ultimately, a helicopter is merely a platform distinguished by its high mobility. Given the trend towards optional piloting, integrating drones into helicopters is simply a logical decision. Especially since similar initiatives are underway in the United States.
Back in 2021, a unified reconnaissance-strike framework combining the AH-64E Apache and the MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone was being tested, where the Apache operator controlled the drone and engaged targets. The launch of drones from helicopters in the U.S. began even earlier. The photo below shows an Altius launch from a UH-60 during tests in March 2020.
