Defense & Military
China Unveils Helicopter Similar to Sikorsky S-97 Raider Raising IP Concerns
China reveals a compound helicopter closely resembling the Sikorsky S-97 Raider, spotlighting technology transfer and strategic competition in military aviation.
The unveiling of a new Chinese compound helicopter, nearly identical in design to the U.S.-developed Sikorsky S-97 Raider, has ignited widespread discussion in defense and aviation circles. This development is not merely a matter of industrial curiosity, it signals a potential shift in the global balance of military aviation technology and underscores persistent concerns about intellectual property protection, technology transfer, and strategic competition between the United States and China.
The S-97 Raider, an advanced compound helicopter featuring coaxial rotors and a rear pusher propeller, represents a major leap in rotary-wing performance, promising higher speeds, greater maneuverability, and improved survivability. The emergence of a Chinese aircraft mirroring these features raises questions about the methods used to acquire such advanced designs, the implications for indigenous innovation, and the broader consequences for international security and the defense industry.
This article examines the origins of the S-97 Raider, details the technical and strategic implications of China’s apparent clone, and explores the broader patterns and consequences of technology transfer in the global defense sector.
The Sikorsky S-97 Raider is the product of decades of research in high-speed rotorcraft technology. Originating from Sikorsky’s X2 Technology demonstrator, the S-97 was designed to address limitations in speed and maneuverability that have historically constrained helicopters. Unlike conventional Helicopters, the S-97 employs a rigid coaxial rotor system combined with a rear-mounted pusher propeller, allowing it to achieve speeds and agility previously unattainable in its class.
Sikorsky’s investment in the S-97 program was substantial. The company invested $150 million of its own funds and secured an additional $50 million from industry partners, bringing total development costs to $200 million, all without direct government funding. This approach granted Sikorsky significant control over the technology and its intellectual property.
The S-97 was developed to fill the armed reconnaissance role for the U.S. Army, especially after the retirement of the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior. Its performance targets included a cruise speed of 220 knots, a dash speed over 240 knots, and operational ranges up to 600 kilometers. The aircraft could carry two pilots and up to six troops, with armament options including Hellfire missiles and 2.75-inch rockets. The S-97’s advanced fly-by-wire controls and dynamic anti-vibration systems further distinguished it from traditional helicopters.
The S-97’s compound configuration is central to its performance. The coaxial main rotors eliminate the need for a tail rotor, reducing mechanical complexity and vulnerability, while the pusher propeller enables much higher forward speeds. Powered by a General Electric YT706 turboshaft engine, the S-97 can operate in challenging environments, with hover capabilities at high altitudes and temperatures.
Its modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration for different mission profiles, including reconnaissance, light attack, and special operations. The cockpit’s side-by-side seating and digital avionics enhance crew coordination and situational awareness, while the aircraft’s agility allows for unconventional maneuvers not possible with legacy helicopters. The S-97’s development was closely tied to the U.S. Army’s Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program, which sought to field hundreds of next-generation helicopters. However, the FARA program was cancelled in 2024, shifting Sikorsky’s focus to international markets and export opportunities.
“The S-97 Raider can achieve speeds and maneuverability that are simply not possible with conventional helicopter designs.”, AviationWeek technical analysis
In August 2025, images surfaced on Chinese social media revealing a new helicopter design from China’s aviation industry that closely resembles the S-97 Raider. The aircraft features the same four-blade coaxial main rotors, a rear-mounted pusher propeller, and a fuselage shape nearly indistinguishable from its American counterpart.
Defense analysts quickly noted the extent of the similarities, suggesting more than coincidental convergence in design. The Chinese aircraft’s size, rotor configuration, and aerodynamic features all mirror the S-97, though minor differences, such as fixed landing gear and alternative exhaust placements, may exist. These could reflect adaptations for local requirements or attempts to differentiate the clone from the original.
The identity of the Chinese manufacturer has not been officially confirmed, but the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) is widely recognized as the nation’s primary producer of military helicopters. AVIC’s extensive resources, workforce, and history of international partnerships have positioned it to rapidly absorb and replicate advanced technologies.
The appearance of a Chinese S-97 clone fits a broader pattern of technology acquisition in China’s military aviation sector. Previous examples include the Harbin Z-20 helicopter, which closely resembles the U.S. Black Hawk, and the FH-97 drone, echoing the American XQ-58A Valkyrie. This pattern suggests a strategic emphasis on leveraging foreign designs to accelerate the development of domestic capabilities.
Cases of industrial espionage and cyber theft have been documented in the past. For instance, Su Bin, a Chinese national, was convicted in the U.S. for orchestrating the theft of sensitive fighter aircraft designs, including those of the F-22 and F-35. More recently, Chenguang Gong, a Chinese-American engineer, pleaded guilty to stealing classified defense technology related to missile tracking systems.
Such activities are estimated to cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars annually. According to the Belfer Center, intellectual property theft by China may reach up to $180 billion a year, with the defense sector being a significant target.
“This is the greatest intellectual property theft in human history.”, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, on Chinese technology acquisition
The deployment of a high-speed, maneuverable helicopter like the S-97, or its Chinese clone, would enhance the operational capabilities of any military. Such aircraft can perform rapid reconnaissance, special operations insertions, and light attack missions in contested environments, potentially shifting tactical balances in regions like the Indo-Pacific. The timing of China’s apparent clone is notable, coinciding with the U.S. Army’s cancellation of the FARA program. While the U.S. shifts focus to unmanned systems and space-based reconnaissance, China’s investment in advanced manned helicopters could provide it with unique tactical options, especially in scenarios where speed and survivability are critical.
The introduction of a Chinese compound helicopter may also affect global defense markets. With Sikorsky now targeting international customers for the S-97, competition from a Chinese alternative could influence procurement decisions in countries seeking advanced rotorcraft capabilities at lower costs or with fewer political constraints.
The issue of technology transfer in the defense sector extends beyond individual cases of cloning. China’s AVIC, with nearly 400,000 employees and annual revenues approaching $80 billion, has established joint ventures and partnerships with leading Western aerospace firms. These relationships have provided both legitimate and questionable pathways for the acquisition of advanced aviation technologies.
The economic impact of such technology transfer is significant. Not only does it erode the competitive advantage of innovators, but it also undermines the financial returns on substantial private investments in research and development. For Sikorsky, the S-97’s $200 million development cost was predicated on capturing new markets; unauthorized replication by foreign competitors threatens this business model.
The global defense industry faces a complex environment where innovation, intellectual property protection, and international competition intersect. The case of the S-97 Raider and its Chinese counterpart exemplifies the challenges facing Western companies as they seek to maintain technological superiority and commercial viability in an era of rapid information exchange and persistent cyber threats.
“China’s defense industry has leveraged both legitimate partnerships and illicit means to close the technology gap with the West.”, Belfer Center report on Chinese military modernization
The emergence of a Chinese clone of the Sikorsky S-97 Raider is emblematic of broader trends in global military technology competition. It highlights the vulnerabilities of open technological societies to intellectual property theft and the strategic consequences of rapid technology transfer. The case also underscores the ongoing evolution of military aviation, where speed, agility, and survivability are increasingly prized.
As the U.S. pivots toward unmanned systems and China invests in advanced manned platforms, the future of military rotorcraft will likely be shaped by both technological innovation and the effectiveness of intellectual property protection. The international defense community will need to balance openness and collaboration with the imperative to safeguard critical technologies, ensuring that the benefits of innovation are not undermined by unauthorized replication.
Question: What is the Sikorsky S-97 Raider? Answer: The Sikorsky S-97 Raider is an advanced compound helicopter developed by Sikorsky, featuring coaxial rotors and a pusher propeller for higher speed and agility compared to conventional helicopters.
Question: How does the Chinese helicopter compare to the S-97 Raider?
Answer: The Chinese helicopter appears nearly identical in design to the S-97 Raider, with similar rotor configuration, fuselage shape, and performance aims, though some minor differences may exist in details like landing gear and exhaust placement.
Question: How did China acquire the technology for the S-97 clone?
Answer: While the specific methods are not confirmed, China has a documented history of acquiring foreign military technology through both legitimate partnerships and illicit means such as cyber theft and industrial espionage.
Question: What are the strategic implications of this development?
Answer: The introduction of a high-speed, maneuverable helicopter by China could enhance its military capabilities, especially in contested regions, and may influence global defense procurement and competition.
Introduction: The Significance of China’s S-97 Raider Clone
Background: Development and Capabilities of the Sikorsky S-97 Raider
Technical Innovations and Performance
The Emergence of the Chinese Clone
Patterns of Technology Acquisition
Strategic and Military Implications
Broader Economic and Industrial Context
Conclusion: Key Points and Future Implications
FAQ
Sources
Photo Credit: TWZ
Defense & Military
Saab Proposes 78 Aircraft and 12,600 Jobs to Canada
Saab offers Canada 72 Gripen E jets and 6 GlobalEye aircraft, promising 12,600 jobs and full maintenance rights in a mixed fleet proposal.
Swedish defense manufacturer Saab has presented the Canadian government with a sweeping proposal to supply the Royal Canadian Air Force with a mixed fleet of fighter jets and surveillance Military-Aircraft. According to reporting by CBC News, the company has pledged to create 12,600 jobs in Canada, contingent on the federal government purchasing 72 Gripen E fighter jets and six GlobalEye surveillance aircraft.
The proposal comes at a critical juncture for Canadian defense procurement. While Ottawa finalized an agreement in 2022 to acquire the Lockheed Martin F-35, the government has currently committed to an initial tranche of only 16 stealth fighters. Saab’s bid aims to secure the contract for the remaining 72 aircraft required to replace the aging CF-18 fleet, alongside a separate requirement for airborne early warning systems.
The core of Saab’s pitch is a “Made in Canada” industrial strategy designed to bolster domestic aerospace sovereignty. CBC News reports that the Manufacturers promise of 12,600 jobs is split between the two major hardware components of the deal.
Saab estimates that the production and sustainment of 72 Gripen E fighter jets would generate approximately 9,000 jobs. The Gripen E is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter known for its ability to operate in harsh environments and from dispersed locations, such as highways, features Saab argues are well-suited to Canada’s Arctic geography.
The second pillar of the proposal involves the GlobalEye, an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system. This portion of the bid carries significant domestic political weight because the GlobalEye system is mounted on the Global 6000/6500 business jet airframe, manufactured by Bombardier in Toronto.
According to the proposal details, the GlobalEye program would account for roughly 3,600 of the promised jobs. This Partnerships with Bombardier positions the bid as a direct boost to the aerospace sectors in Ontario and Quebec.
Saab’s proposal challenges the conventional military preference for a uniform fleet. Canada has already begun the process of integrating the F-35 Lightning II, a 5th-generation stealth fighter designed for seamless interoperability with United States and NATO forces. Critics of the Saab proposal argue that operating a “mixed fleet”, consisting of 16 F-35s and 72 Gripens, would create logistical hurdles, requiring duplicate training pipelines, supply chains, and maintenance crews.
However, proponents of the Saab bid suggest that the Gripen’s lower operating costs and full technology transfer could offset these inefficiencies. Unlike the F-35, which relies on a global support network controlled largely by the US, Saab is offering Canada full intellectual property rights for maintenance, allowing for complete sovereign control over the fleet. The timing of Saab’s offer appears calculated to leverage current geopolitical and economic anxieties. With trade tensions rising between Ottawa and Washington, there is a growing political appetite for defense solutions that reduce reliance on US supply chains. By tying the bid to Bombardier and promising thousands of high-tech jobs in key electoral provinces, Saab is framing the decision as one of economic stability and national sovereignty rather than purely military capability.
Furthermore, the inclusion of the GlobalEye targets a specific gap in Canada’s defenses. While the Air Force has selected the Boeing P-8 Poseidon for maritime patrol, the requirement for a dedicated AEW&C platform to support NORAD remains unfilled. The GlobalEye competes directly against the Boeing E-7 Wedgetail, which is already in use by key allies. Saab’s gamble is that the economic benefits of a Canadian-built airframe will outweigh the interoperability arguments favoring the Boeing alternative.
Beyond domestic defense, the proposal outlines a vision for Canada to become a production hub for Saab’s export markets. Reports indicate that Ukraine has expressed interest in acquiring the Gripen platform. Under Saab’s proposed model, Canadian facilities could potentially manufacture or assemble aircraft destined for third-party nations, effectively turning Canada into a significant exporter for the program.
What is the current status of Canada’s F-35 order? What is the GlobalEye? Why is a mixed fleet considered controversial?
Saab Pitches Major Defense Package to Ottawa: 78 Aircraft and 12,600 Jobs
Breaking Down the Industrial Offer
The Gripen E Program
The GlobalEye Surveillance System
Strategic Context: The Mixed Fleet Debate
AirPro News Analysis
Potential Export Implications
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada selected the F-35 in 2022 and has committed to buying an initial batch of 16 aircraft. The full planned fleet size is 88 jets, leaving the remaining 72 subject to final government approval and Contracts issuance.
The GlobalEye is an advanced airborne early warning system capable of simultaneous air, maritime, and ground surveillance. It uses the Erieye ER radar and is based on the Canadian-made Bombardier Global 6000/6500 airframe.
Operating two different types of fighter jets (the F-35 and the Gripen) increases costs and complexity. It requires two separate sets of pilots, mechanics, spare parts, and training simulators, which military planners typically try to avoid.
Sources
Photo Credit: SAAB
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Delivers 350th MH-60R Seahawk to U.S. Navy
Lockheed Martin delivered the 350th MH-60R Seahawk helicopter to the U.S. Navy, highlighting ongoing production and future upgrade plans.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin.
Lockheed Martin has officially delivered the 350th MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters to the United States Navy, marking a significant production milestone for the fleet’s primary anti-submarine warfare platform. According to a press release issued by the company on January 13, 2026, the ceremony took place at the Lockheed Martin facility in Owego, New York.
The aircraft is set to join Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 (HSM-41), the Navy’s West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron based at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, California. As the training unit for new naval aviators and aircrew, HSM-41 utilizes the latest airframes to ensure personnel are trained on the most current configurations before deploying to operational fleet squadrons.
This delivery underscores the longevity of the MH-60R program, which has served as the cornerstone of the Navy’s rotary-wing maritime strike capability since replacing legacy SH-60B and SH-60F fleets. Company officials emphasized that the platform is expected to remain in service well into the 2050s.
The delivery highlights the complex logistical coordination required to produce the “Romeo” variant. The Manufacturing process spans two major industrial hubs in the Northeast. The base airframe is manufactured by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, in Stratford, Connecticut. Following the initial build, the “green” airframe is flown to Owego, New York, for final mission systems integration.
In Owego, engineers install the advanced sensors, radars, and Avionics that define the MH-60R’s operational capabilities. This facility employs over 2,500 people and serves as a critical economic driver for New York’s Southern Tier region. Ali Ruwaih, Vice President of Maritime Systems at Lockheed Martin, commented on the significance of the milestone in the company statement:
“The delivery of the 350th MH-60R helicopter is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of this aircraft and the dedication of our team. We are proud to support the U.S. Navy and our global partners with this highly advanced multi-mission platform.”
The MH-60R is widely regarded as the most advanced maritime helicopter currently in operation. Its primary missions include Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW). To execute these missions, the aircraft is equipped with a multi-mode Radar-Systems for automatic periscope detection, advanced airborne low-frequency dipping sonar, and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) cameras.
According to verified program data, the helicopter’s weapons loadout typically includes AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for surface targets and Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes for subsurface threats. The cockpit features a fully digital “glass” interface with four flat-panel displays designed to reduce pilot workload during complex missions. Recent operational reports indicate that the MH-60R has validated its capabilities in high-intensity environments. The platform has been instrumental in the Red Sea, where it has successfully countered asymmetric threats. Reports confirm that “Romeo” helicopters have engaged armed small boats and neutralized hostile aerial Drones (UAVs), demonstrating versatility beyond traditional anti-submarine roles.
Despite being a mature platform, the U.S. Navy has outlined a “Roadmap to 2045” to ensure the MH-60R remains relevant against evolving peer threats. Planned upgrades include the integration of Digital Magnetic Anomaly Detection (DMAD) sensors, which detect submarines via magnetic disturbances, and a shift toward open software architecture. This “open” standard will allow the Navy to rapidly integrate new technologies without requiring extensive hardware overhauls.
Capt. William Hargreaves, the U.S. Navy H-60 Program Manager, highlighted the aircraft’s enduring role in the fleet:
“The MH-60R has been the U.S. Navy’s primary anti-submarine and surface warfare helicopter since 2010… This true multi-mission asset has proven itself in all aspects of land or maritime operations.”
The delivery of the 350th unit signals more than just a production achievement; it reinforces the U.S. Navy’s strategy of relying on proven, adaptable platforms rather than seeking immediate, high-risk replacements for rotary-wing assets. By investing in the “Roadmap to 2045” and Service Life Modernization (SLM) programs, the Navy is effectively betting that software upgrades and sensor integration will be more decisive in future conflicts than aerodynamic performance alone.
Furthermore, the continued production stability at Owego is vital for foreign military sales. With allies such as Australia, Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and India already operating the type, and future orders expected from nations like Norway and Spain, the MH-60R supply chain remains a critical component of Western naval interoperability.
Sources: Lockheed Martin Press Release
Lockheed Martin Delivers 350th MH-60R “Romeo” to U.S. Navy
Production and Industrial Integration
Operational Capabilities and Recent Performance
Combat Validation
Future Roadmap and Modernization
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
Sweden Invests $440M in Unmanned Military Drone Systems by 2028
Sweden allocates $440 million for unmanned drones, accelerating deliveries to 2026-2028, plus funding for counter-drone defenses and military satellites.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters. The original report may be paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
On January 12, 2026, the Swedish government announced a significant acceleration in its defense capabilities, committing SEK 4 billion (approximately $440 million) specifically for the procurement of unmanned drone systems. As reported by Reuters, this investment marks a pivotal shift in Sweden’s military strategy following its accession to NATO and the ongoing lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson unveiled the package, emphasizing that the acquisition focuses on “mass and speed.” The initiative is designed to rapidly equip the Swedish Armed Forces with long-range attack drones, loitering munitions, and surveillance capabilities. According to government statements, deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2028, a timeline that officials note has been compressed by nearly eight years compared to traditional procurement cycles.
This move represents one of the most direct applications of “lessons learned” from modern high-intensity conflicts, where the ubiquity of sensors and the necessity of expendable mass have redefined combat operations.
While the headline figure focuses on the $440 million for drones, additional reporting and government releases clarify that this is part of a triad of simultaneous investments. It is critical to distinguish the specific funding streams to understand the scope of the modernization effort.
According to details released by the Swedish Ministry of Defence, the funding is allocated as follows:
The separation of these funds highlights a dual approach: Sweden is simultaneously building the capacity to launch drone attacks while fortifying its defenses against similar threats.
The procurement strategy appears to favor a mix of proven international systems and emerging domestic technology. Based on recent testing by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and industry reports, several specific systems are likely candidates for these funds.
Sweden is actively seeking “loitering munitions”, systems that can hover over a target area before striking. Industry observers note that the FMV has conducted tests with the Israeli-made UVision “Hero” series. These systems provide soldiers with the ability to strike beyond the line of sight with high precision. Given Sweden’s strategic responsibility for the Baltic Sea, naval drones are a priority. Saab has been developing the Enforcer III, an unmanned surface vessel based on the Combat Boat 90 platform. Additionally, underwater systems like the Saab AUV62-MR are being deployed for mine reconnaissance and seabed mapping, a critical mission for protecting undersea cables and pipelines.
Funded by the separate SEK 3.5 billion package, Sweden has confirmed orders for the Saab Trackfire ARES. This system features a remote weapon station equipped with a 30mm chain gun and proximity-fuzed ammunition, designed to physically destroy incoming drones.
The driving force behind this investment is the concept of the “transparent battlefield,” where concealment is nearly impossible due to constant aerial surveillance. Defence Minister Pål Jonson was blunt in his assessment of the changing security landscape.
“The future battlefield will be characterized by unmanned systems and long-range capacity. Anyone who doesn’t understand that is going to be either dead or defeated.”
, Pål Jonson, Swedish Defence Minister (via Government.se)
As a new NATO member, Sweden is integrating its assets into the alliance’s northern flank. These unmanned systems will likely be used to monitor Russian naval activity in the Baltic Sea and provide early warning data to NATO command structures.
While the investment is substantial, some experts argue it may still be insufficient. Oscar Jonsson, a researcher at the Swedish Defence University, told reporters that while the strategic direction is correct, the volume of acquisition might not meet the demands of a full-scale conflict.
“We are doing pretty much what we always do. Buying expensive platforms in small numbers… [we need] mass.”
, Oscar Jonsson, Swedish Defence University
The Shift from Platforms to Payloads This investment signals a profound doctrinal shift for Sweden. Historically, the Swedish military has relied on a small number of extremely high-tech, high-cost platforms, such as the Gripen fighter jet and the Visby-class corvette. The decision to spend nearly half a billion dollars on unmanned systems, many of which are designed to be expended (destroyed) upon use, acknowledges the “cost exchange dilemma.”
In modern warfare, using a multi-million dollar missile to shoot down a $20,000 drone is economically unsustainable. By investing in low-cost interceptors like the domestic Kreuger 100 and mass-produced loitering munitions, Sweden is attempting to align its cost curve with the realities of attrition warfare. We assess that this is likely just the first tranche of such funding, as NATO pressure mounts for member states to stockpile “consumable” munitions rather than just “prestige” platforms.
When will the new drone systems be operational? Is this funding part of the NATO defense spending requirement? What is the difference between the drone and counter-drone packages?
Sweden Commits $440 Million to Unmanned Military Systems in Major Defense Overhaul
Breakdown of the Investment Packages
Targeted Capabilities and Hardware
Loitering Munitions
Marine and Underwater Drones
Counter-UAS Solutions
Strategic Context: The “Transparent Battlefield”
Expert Reactions
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Deliveries are scheduled to occur between 2026 and 2028. The government claims this timeline has been accelerated by up to eight years compared to standard procedures.
Yes. These investments contribute to Sweden meeting and exceeding the NATO target of spending 2% of GDP on defense.
The SEK 4 billion drone package is for offensive and surveillance systems (attacking and seeing). The SEK 3.5 billion counter-drone package is for defensive systems (shooting down enemy drones).
Sources
Photo Credit: REUTERS – Tom Little
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