Airbus plans drone version of helicopter it builds in Mississippi
There's no word yet on where the company will produce the uncrewed version of its popular H145.
Mason Reed 
Airbus has unveiled an exciting new development for its aerospace fleet, introducing an uncrewed version of the highly successful twin-engine H145 helicopter. The new model, dubbed the U145, made its public debut during the recent ILA Berlin airshow.
From Proven Platform to Autonomous Innovation
While currently existing as a full-scale mockup, the U145 is already generating buzz. Airbus has announced plans for a maiden flight later this year, with the Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) slated to enter service in the early 2030s. The U145 retains the reliable airframe and impressive payload capacity of the crewed H145, which is already a staple for civilian, emergency, and military operations globally.
Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, stated that the U145 effectively combines the proven power of the H145 with the latest in autonomous technology. The company plans to collaborate with key partners to expand the UAS ecosystem throughout Europe.
The Mississippi Connection
The H145 holds significant ties to the United States. Airbus maintains a manufacturing facility in Columbus, Mississippi, which has produced the single-engine H125 and the UH-72 Lakota. The Mississippi site notably expanded its capabilities in 2024 to include the assembly of the H145, a decision driven by surging market demand that one executive previously described as "selling like crazy." While production plans for the U145 remain unconfirmed, the H145 is traditionally built primarily in Donauwörth, Germany.
Versatility in the Air
Designed as a mission-agnostic platform, the U145 is intended to handle a wide range of tasks. Its modular architecture is built to support operations including disaster management, firefighting, surveillance, armed scouting, and high-volume cargo supply. It is also engineered to function as a drone mothership for air-launched effects and supports crewed-uncrewed teaming.
Stateside, the focus is also on military integration. Airbus U.S. Space & Defense is working with partners to offer the U.S. Marine Corps a dedicated autonomous version of the UH-72 Lakota.
