Defense & Military
Why Militaries Are Shifting to Twin Engine Helicopter Training
Military forces choose twin-engine Airbus H135 helicopters for enhanced safety and efficiency in pilot training programs worldwide.
In the high-stakes world of military aviation, the quality of a pilot is paramount. The missions they undertake demand precision, skill, and the ability to operate some of the most advanced aircraft ever built. Consequently, the foundation of their career, the training they receive, is a matter of critical strategic importance. For decades, the conventional wisdom in helicopter training followed a tiered approach: start new pilots on simpler, single-engine aircraft before graduating them to more complex, twin-engine machines. This method was considered a logical progression, building skills incrementally.
However, a significant shift in training philosophy is underway across the globe. Leading military forces are increasingly bypassing the traditional single-engine introductory phase and are instead opting to train their helicopter pilots on twin-engine platforms from the very beginning. This “direct-to-twin” approach is not merely a change in equipment; it represents a fundamental rethinking of how to produce more capable, mission-ready pilots more efficiently and safely. The core argument is that training pilots on an aircraft that closely mirrors the operational helicopters they will eventually fly provides a more seamless and effective transition to the front line.
At the forefront of this evolution is the Airbus H135, a lightweight, twin-engine helicopter that has emerged as a leading choice for military training programs worldwide. Its combination of modern avionics, built-in safety features, and operational flexibility makes it an ideal platform for this new training doctrine. As nations from the United Kingdom to Canada and Japan adopt the H135, it signals a broader trend towards modernizing pilot development to meet the demands of 21st-century military operations.
The traditional two-tier system of helicopter training was built on a simple premise: master the basics on a less complex, single-engine aircraft before adding the complexities of a second engine and more advanced systems. While logical, this approach creates a distinct and sometimes challenging gap between the initial training environment and the operational one. Most modern military helicopters, from attack and transport to maritime variants, are twin-engine by design for reasons of power, performance, and survivability. Transitioning from a single-engine trainer to one of these frontline aircraft requires pilots to spend valuable time re-learning fundamental maneuvers and procedures on a completely new airframe.
The move to twin-engine training from day one addresses this inefficiency directly. Proponents argue that it offers substantial gains in both safety and training effectiveness. The most obvious safety benefit is engine redundancy; in the event of an engine failure or a student error during a critical phase of flight, a second engine provides a crucial safety margin. This is particularly important in a training environment where pilots are constantly pushing their limits and learning new skills. From an efficiency standpoint, it eliminates the “re-learning” phase that can consume a significant portion of an advanced training course.
By starting on a platform like the H135, student pilots develop muscle memory and procedural familiarity with twin-engine operations from their very first flight hours. This creates a more direct and intuitive pathway to the advanced, multi-role helicopters they will command on active duty. The skills they acquire, from managing twin-engine power settings to handling asymmetric flight, are directly transferable, ultimately producing a more proficient and confident pilot in a shorter timeframe.
David Farman, Head of Training at SkyAlyne, notes that moving away from a two-tier system “offers tremendous safety and efficiency gains,” suggesting that up to 35% of an advanced course could be spent re-learning maneuvers when transitioning from a single-engine trainer.
A key factor driving the H135’s success as a modern trainer is its advanced Helionix avionics suite. This system represents a generational leap from the analog gauges and disparate systems found in older training helicopters. The Helionix suite features a fully integrated glass cockpit with large, multi-function electronic displays and a sophisticated 4-axis autopilot. This technology provides pilots with clear, concise flight information, reduces workload, and enhances situational awareness, which are all critical skills for modern military aviators.
The primary training benefit of Helionix is that it mirrors the advanced cockpit environments of frontline military aircraft. When a trainee pilot moves from an H135 to a more advanced operational helicopter, they are already familiar with the logic and layout of a modern glass cockpit. This consistency minimizes the technological shock of transitioning to a new platform, allowing the pilot to focus on mastering mission-specific systems rather than re-learning how to interact with their aircraft’s basic interface. The 4-axis autopilot is another powerful training tool, capable of managing the helicopter’s flight path with precision, which is invaluable for teaching complex procedures like instrument flight rules (IFR) and automated approaches. Furthermore, the H135’s design and systems are optimized for a wide range of training scenarios. It is fully compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG), allowing for realistic night-flying exercises from an early stage. Its capabilities also support training for tactical maneuvers and underslung load operations, providing a versatile platform that can cover a broad spectrum of the training syllabus. This technological foundation ensures that pilots are not just learning to fly; they are learning to operate within the complex, data-rich environment of modern military aviation.
The strategic shift towards twin-engine training is not a theoretical concept; it is a proven model being implemented by some of the world’s most advanced armed forces. The Airbus H135 has established a significant global footprint, becoming the trainer of choice for a diverse group of nations. Countries including Germany, Japan, Spain, Australia, and Switzerland have all integrated the H135 into their military pilot training pipelines, underscoring the platform’s reliability and effectiveness.
A prominent example is the United Kingdom’s Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS), a comprehensive program designed to train aircrew for all three branches of its armed forces. As part of this system, the UK operates a fleet of 29 H135s, designated as the Juno HT Mk1. These helicopters are used to train pilots for the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, and British Army, blending live flight hours with extensive use of advanced simulators to create a highly efficient and effective training curriculum. This integrated approach ensures pilots are proficient in both the hands-on skills of flying and the procedural demands of modern missions.
More recently, the Spanish Navy officially received its first H135 helicopters in October 2023, with the fleet expected to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) by the end of 2024. These aircraft will be used for both pilot training and utility operations, demonstrating the H135’s versatility beyond a pure training role. The widespread adoption by these and other key military forces validates the H135’s credentials as a robust, capable, and future-proofed training solution.
Perhaps the most significant recent endorsement of the H135 came in November 2024, when it was selected for the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) program. This landmark decision marks the first time an Airbus helicopter will be used by the Canadian Armed Forces and solidifies the H135’s position as a leader in the military training market. The FAcT program is a comprehensive, long-term initiative to modernize how Canada trains its military pilots and aircrew for decades to come.
Under the program, SkyAlyne, a joint venture between Canadian aviation specialists CAE and KF Aerospace, will acquire and operate a fleet of 19 H135 helicopters. These aircraft will form the core of the RCAF’s new helicopter training system. The selection of the H135 aligns perfectly with the global trend of providing trainees with an aircraft that closely resembles the operational platforms they will fly in the future, such as the RCAF’s CH-148 Cyclone or CH-147F Chinook.
The contract includes customizing the helicopters for the RCAF’s specific needs at Airbus’s facility in Fort Erie, Ontario, highlighting a commitment to local industry. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026, kicking off a new era for Canadian military helicopter training. This decision by a key NATO ally sends a strong signal about the perceived benefits of the direct-to-twin training model and the H135’s suitability for preparing the next generation of military aviators.
The deliberate move by military forces around the world to adopt twin-engine helicopters for initial pilot training marks a pivotal evolution in aviation doctrine. This approach is fundamentally rooted in the pursuit of greater safety, enhanced efficiency, and a more direct path to producing highly competent pilots ready for the complexities of modern operational aircraft. By eliminating the transitional step from single-engine trainers, armed forces can invest training hours more effectively, ensuring their aviators are familiar with advanced systems and twin-engine procedures from the outset. The Airbus H135 has firmly established itself at the vanguard of this movement. Its combination of twin-engine redundancy, a state-of-the-art Helionix avionics suite, and a proven record of reliability has made it a compelling choice for nations seeking to modernize their training capabilities. The growing list of operators, capped by the recent landmark selection for Canada’s FAcT program, underscores the platform’s status as the new benchmark in its class. As military aviation continues to advance, the principles embodied by the H135, early exposure to advanced technology and operational realism, will undoubtedly shape the future of pilot training for years to come.
Question: Why are military forces moving to twin-engine helicopters for training? Question: What is the Helionix avionics suite? Question: Which countries use the Airbus H135 for military training?
The New Standard: Why Militaries Are Shifting to Twin-Engine Helicopter Training
A Paradigm Shift in Pilot Development
The Case for Twin-Engine Ab Initio Training
The Technological Edge: Helionix Avionics Suite
Global Adoption and Proven Performance
A Growing Roster of Military Operators
Canada’s FAcT Program: A Landmark Selection
Conclusion: The Future of Helicopter Pilot Training
FAQ
Answer: The primary reasons are enhanced safety and efficiency. A second engine provides crucial redundancy, which is a significant advantage in a training environment. It also offers a more direct and effective transition to the complex, twin-engine operational helicopters that most pilots will fly on missions, reducing the time spent re-learning skills on a new airframe.
Answer: Helionix is an advanced digital avionics system found in the Airbus H135. It features a modern glass cockpit with large electronic displays and a sophisticated 4-axis autopilot. Its key benefit is that it mirrors the technology used in frontline military helicopters, which helps trainees become familiar with modern systems early in their careers.
Answer: A growing number of advanced military forces use the H135 as a training platform. This list includes the United Kingdom, Canada, Spain, Australia, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland, among others.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin NetSense Uses 5G to Detect Unauthorized Drones
Lockheed Martin’s NetSense prototype uses commercial 5G networks and AI to detect unauthorized drones in complex environments without new hardware.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin Corporation.
Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new prototype system that leverages existing commercial 5G cellular networks to detect unauthorized drones. According to an official press release from the company, the technology, dubbed NetSense™, is designed to identify aerial intrusions in crowded and complex environments without the need for traditional radar or camera systems.
As small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) become increasingly common in both civilian and conflict zones, detecting them in dense urban settings or near event venues has proven difficult. Lockheed Martin’s approach turns everyday cellular infrastructure into a real-time drone detection layer, offering a novel solution to a growing security challenge.
The rapid development of the NetSense system highlights a shift in defense contracting toward faster, more agile innovation cycles. Built in a matter of months by the company’s 5G.MIL® team, the project demonstrates how commercial technology can be rapidly adapted for critical safety and situational awareness applications.
Cell networks constantly exchange radio frequency (RF) signals with connected devices, creating an invisible field of waves that stretch, compress, and reflect as they interact with the physical environment. When a new object, such as a consumer drone, enters this RF field, it causes observable changes in the signal patterns.
According to the Lockheed Martin release, NetSense utilizes artificial intelligence to interpret these RF disruptions. The system translates the complex data into immediate, actionable cues, allowing users to determine if an object is in the airspace and track its trajectory. Notably, the system successfully detected a small drone that was not connected to the cellular network during a recent demonstration.
To visualize this data, the NetSense team integrated Lockheed Martin’s newly launched STAR.UI™ software. This interface features built-in AI agents that help operators monitor mission-relevant data in real time, serving as the visualization component of the broader STAR.OS™ modular architecture.
The development of NetSense represents a departure from traditional, multi-year defense procurement timelines. Lockheed Martin noted that its 5G.MIL team operated much like a startup, utilizing small teams, rapid iteration, and tight feedback loops to prove the concept quickly. “As a project concept in a new innovative space, we had more questions than answers as we started the project,” said Amir Stephenson, director of 5G.MIL Programs at Lockheed Martin.
Because the system relies on existing 5G towers and off-the-shelf mobile devices acting as receivers, it eliminates the need for specialized hardware or lengthy installation processes. The company emphasized that the technology is designed to maintain the privacy of commercial 5G users while providing an added layer of security.
The potential applications for this technology span multiple sectors. Lockheed Martin highlighted that stadiums could use the system to monitor restricted airspace during major events, while cities and port authorities could track drones navigating between buildings or shipping lanes. Additionally, schools could leverage the network to alert local law enforcement of unexpected drone activity.
The introduction of NetSense underscores a broader industry trend of dual-use technology, where commercial infrastructure is repurposed for defense and security missions. By utilizing the ubiquitous nature of 5G networks, Lockheed Martin is addressing one of the primary limitations of traditional counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems, the high cost and logistical burden of deploying dedicated sensors across vast urban landscapes.
We observe that this “situational awareness as a service” model could significantly lower the barrier to entry for civilian organizations seeking drone detection capabilities. However, the reliance on commercial cellular networks will likely require ongoing collaboration with telecommunications providers to ensure seamless integration and address any potential regulatory or privacy concerns.
NetSense is a prototype drone detection system that uses existing commercial 5G cellular networks and artificial intelligence to identify unauthorized drones in complex environments.
The system monitors the invisible field of radio frequency (RF) waves created by cell networks. When a drone enters the area, it disrupts these waves. NetSense uses AI to interpret these changes and alert operators, even if the drone is not connected to the network.
No. According to Lockheed Martin, the system uses existing 5G towers and off-the-shelf phones as detection receivers, avoiding the need for new sensors or long installation timelines.
How NetSense Turns 5G into a Sensor Network
Rapid Innovation and Real-World Applications
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lockheed Martin’s NetSense system?
How does the 5G drone detection work?
Does NetSense require new hardware to be installed?
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
U.S. Army Receives First Autonomous-Ready H-60Mx Black Hawk
The U.S. Army received its first autonomous-ready H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter featuring Sikorsky’s MATRIX system and fly-by-wire controls at Fort Eustis.
This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Department of War.
On March 19, 2026, the U.S. Army officially received its first autonomous-ready H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopters at Fort Eustis, Virginia. According to an official press release from the U.S. Department of War, this delivery marks a pivotal milestone in military aviation, introducing an “Optimally Piloted Vehicle” (OPV) capable of operating with or without a human crew onboard.
The handover represents the culmination of more than a decade of research and development. By integrating advanced digital co-pilot systems into a proven airframe, the military aims to reduce pilot workload, enhance safety in degraded environments, and enable remote operations. We at AirPro News recognize this development as a critical step in the Army’s broader restructuring efforts to integrate unmanned and autonomous systems into its active fleet.
The core of the H-60Mx’s new capabilities is the MATRIX™ autonomy system, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. According to the Department of War’s release, this system functions as a highly advanced digital co-pilot designed to manage complex flight tasks from takeoff to landing.
To accommodate this technology, the helicopter’s traditional mechanical flight controls have been entirely replaced with a modern fly-by-wire electronic system. Army officials note that this upgrade significantly improves the aircraft’s stability and handling, particularly in low-visibility conditions where human pilots might struggle.
The H-60Mx features three distinct operational modes. It can be flown conventionally by onboard pilots, operated remotely from a secure ground station, or programmed to perform missions completely independently without real-time human input.
“After years of successful demonstrations on both commercial and military aircraft, the technology has matured. It is now a reliable system, ready for formal military evaluation.”
The autonomy technology integrated into the H-60Mx originated from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program. Initiated over ten years ago, the visionary goal of ALIAS was to create a removable automation “kit” for existing aircraft. This kit was designed to reduce the complexity of flying, allowing human crews to focus on higher-level mission management.
Following years of partnerships between Sikorsky and DARPA, including a landmark 2022 demonstration of an optionally-piloted Black Hawk flying without any crew onboard, the system has transitioned from a developmental concept to a field-ready asset. With the delivery of the H-60Mx, the aircraft now serves as the primary testbed for the Army’s Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler (SAFE) program. The Department of War states that the ultimate goal of the SAFE program is to develop a universal, scalable autonomy kit. This kit is intended to be retrofitted across the Army’s existing fleet of hundreds of Black Hawk helicopters, as well as integrated into future aircraft designs.
By utilizing a retrofit kit approach rather than relying solely on clean-sheet aircraft designs, the Army expects to significantly reduce the time and cost required to field autonomous capabilities across its broader aviation fleet.
“By proving out this technology, the Army aims to unlock a new era of aviation. The delivery of this first [‘optimally’ piloted vehicle] Black Hawk is more than just a hardware handover; it’s a tangible step toward a future where technology and soldiers work together in new and powerful ways to ensure mission success.”
The H-60Mx is currently entering a rigorous testing phase at Fort Eustis. Army test pilots and engineers will evaluate the aircraft’s performance in complex, real-world mission scenarios, testing both its independent and remote-control capabilities. A primary focus of this evaluation will be assessing the system’s effectiveness in low-visibility environments and its overall impact on soldier safety.
Beyond federal military applications, the technology is also being explored for state-level missions. The state of Texas is collaborating on the ALIAS autonomy technology through a multi-year testbed effort sponsored by the Texas A&M University System’s Bush Combat Development Complex. According to project data, this initiative will utilize modified UH-60L helicopters to evaluate the value of autonomous aircraft for wildland firefighting and other critical state emergency responses.
We observe that the introduction of the H-60Mx aligns closely with the U.S. Army’s ongoing, large-scale aviation restructuring. Recent military strategies have emphasized reducing thousands of traditional aviation positions while simultaneously expanding the role of autonomous and unmanned systems. By advancing optionally piloted flight capabilities, the Army is prioritizing mission flexibility and survivability in highly contested environments. Furthermore, the SAFE program’s “kit” strategy represents a highly pragmatic procurement approach, allowing the military to modernize its legacy fleet of Black Hawks cost-effectively while bridging the gap to next-generation vertical lift platforms.
An Optimally Piloted Vehicle, or optionally piloted vehicle, is an aircraft equipped with advanced autonomous systems that allow it to be flown by a traditional human crew onboard, operated remotely from a ground station, or flown completely independently by onboard computers.
The U.S. Army officially received the H-60Mx Black Hawk on March 19, 2026, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
The Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler (SAFE) program is a U.S. Army initiative aimed at developing a universal, scalable autonomy kit that can be retrofitted onto existing helicopters, like the Black Hawk, to provide them with autonomous flight capabilities. Sources:
The Technology Behind the H-60Mx Black Hawk
Sikorsky’s MATRIX and Fly-by-Wire Upgrades
From DARPA’s ALIAS to the Army’s SAFE Program
A Decade of Research Culminates
The Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler (SAFE)
Testing, Evaluation, and Broader Applications
Real-World Scenarios and State Partnerships
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an Optimally Piloted Vehicle (OPV)?
When and where was the first autonomous-ready Black Hawk delivered?
What is the SAFE program?
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Courtesy photo
Defense & Military
Kongsberg Secures NOK 2 Billion Contract Extension for F-35 Components
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace extends its contract with Lockheed Martin for NOK 2 billion to produce F-35 components through 2030, supporting Norway’s defense industry.
This article is based on an official press release from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, supplemented by industry research.
Norwegian defense contractor Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has secured a major contract extension with U.S. defense prime Lockheed Martin, ensuring its continued participation in the global F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program. According to an official company press release dated March 18, 2026, the agreement is valued at approximately NOK 2 billion (roughly $190 million to $209 million) and will extend Kongsberg’s manufacturing deliveries through the year 2030.
The newly announced contract covers production for F-35 Lots 20, 21, and 22. Under the terms of the agreement, Kongsberg will continue to manufacture critical structural components, including aircraft rudders, vertical leading edges, and main landing gear closeout panels. These components are slated to support all three variants of the fifth-generation stealth fighter, the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, the short takeoff/vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-based F-35C.
This manufacturing extension highlights the enduring economic benefits of the F-35 program for Norway’s domestic defense industry. Although the Royal Norwegian Air Force completed its own procurement of 52 F-35A fighters in 2025, Kongsberg’s role in the global supply chain remains robust, securing long-term industrial continuity and high-tech manufacturing jobs in the region.
According to the company’s announcement, all parts under this NOK 2 billion contract will be produced at Kongsberg’s advanced manufacturing facilities in Norway, historically centered at the Arsenalet facility in the town of Kongsberg. The continuation of this production line underscores the stringent quality requirements demanded by the F-35 program. Industry research notes that Kongsberg has maintained a strong track record of on-time deliveries, which has been instrumental in securing subsequent production lots.
“The deal underscores Kongsberg’s entrenched position as a highly reliable, zero-defect supplier for one of the world’s most advanced and expensive defense programs,” according to defense industry research summarizing the agreement.
Kongsberg has served as a strategic industrial partner to Lockheed Martin for over a decade, initially supplying composite and titanium parts starting in 2010. The partnership is rooted in the F-35 program’s unique international industrial participation model. When allied nations like Norway partnered in the development and procurement of the aircraft, they were granted industrial offsets. This framework allowed domestic companies to bid for manufacturing contracts within the global supply chain. Over the years, Kongsberg successfully expanded its portfolio, notably adding main landing gear closeout panels to its production line in 2015.
While the manufacturing of new components remains a significant revenue stream, Kongsberg has also heavily invested in the long-term sustainment of the F-35 fleet. In 2025, Norway received the last of its planned 52 F-35A fighters, which are currently stationed at the Ørland and Evenes air bases to serve as a critical component of NATO’s northern border defense. Following the completion of this fleet, Kongsberg shifted focus toward domestic maintenance.
Industry data indicates that in March 2025, Kongsberg signed a 15-year agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to handle the maintenance, upgrades, and modifications of the Norwegian F-35 fleet. Furthermore, in October 2025, Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services opened a new 5,000-square-meter F-35 maintenance facility in Rygge, Norway. This facility operates alongside an existing depot for F-135 engines that opened in 2020, allowing Norway to perform heavy maintenance domestically rather than exporting the work. Beyond structural components and maintenance, Kongsberg’s relationship with the F-35 program is deeply tied to the Joint Strike Missile (JSM). Developed specifically by Kongsberg to fit inside the internal weapons bay of the F-35A without compromising the aircraft’s stealth profile, the JSM is a long-range precision strike missile. The successful integration of this weapon system continues to drive further revenue for Kongsberg and enhances the tactical appeal of the F-35 platform for allied nations.
We view this NOK 2 billion contract extension as a textbook example of how initial defense procurement offsets can translate into decades of sustained industrial revenue. With the global F-35 fleet surpassing 1,300 delivered aircraft as of early 2026, the demand for replacement parts, structural components, and heavy maintenance is virtually guaranteed for the next several decades. Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, which recorded total revenues of NOK 58.6 billion in 2025 across its 15,000-employee global workforce, has successfully insulated itself from the typical “boom and bust” cycles of domestic military procurement. By embedding itself into both the manufacturing of Lots 20-22 and the 15-year sustainment tail of the Norwegian fleet, Kongsberg has secured a highly defensible market position within NATO’s premier Military-Aircraft program.
Under the new contract, Kongsberg will manufacture aircraft rudders, vertical leading edges, and main landing gear closeout panels for all three variants of the F-35 (A, B, and C models).
The contract extension with Lockheed Martin is valued at approximately NOK 2 billion, which translates to roughly $190 million to $209 million.
The agreement covers production for F-35 Lots 20, 21, and 22, ensuring manufacturing deliveries from Kongsberg through the year 2030.
Kongsberg Secures NOK 2 Billion Contract Extension for F-35 Components Through 2030
Manufacturing Continuity and Component Details
Scope of the Agreement
A Decade-Long Partnership
Norway’s Expanding Role in the F-35 Ecosystem
Transitioning from Procurement to Sustainment
The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) Integration
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What components is Kongsberg manufacturing for the F-35?
How much is the contract worth?
When does the contract run through?
Sources
Photo Credit: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
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