This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and project factsheets from the European Defence Fund.

Europe Advances Military Rotorcraft Independence with ENGRT II

Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo Helicopters have officially launched the second phase of the European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies (ENGRT) program, a critical initiative designed to secure the continent’s industrial sovereignty in vertical lift capabilities. Announced on February 12, 2026, the project brings together a consortium of 12 European nations to define the architecture of future military aircraft expected to enter service beyond 2040.

According to the official announcement, the project is funded by a budget of approximately €160 million, with the European Defence Fund (EDF) contributing roughly €100 million. The initiative marks a significant transition from the initial research and technology (R&T) phase into a more mature research and development (R&D) stage, focusing on prototyping and wind tunnel testing over the next 36 months.

A Pan-European Consortium

The ENGRT II project represents a unified effort by Europe’s defense heavyweights to avoid reliance on non-European technology for future combat fleets. While Airbus Helicopters (France/Germany) serves as the coordinator and Leonardo Helicopters (Italy) as the co-coordinator, the network includes between 53 and 56 partners across the European Union.

Participating nations include the “Big Four”, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, alongside Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Latvia, the Netherlands, and Poland. Key industrial partners joining the airframe manufacturers include Indra (Spain), Thales (France), and Hensoldt (Germany), who will focus on interoperability, avionics, and sensor technologies.

In a statement regarding the launch, Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the strategic necessity of the program:

“We are stepping up after the first phase of the project, transitioning from a Research and Technology project into a Research and Development project. More than ever we must ensure that our home nations can operate the most advanced technologies now and in the future.”

Technological Focus and Future Capabilities

The primary objective of ENGRT II is to mature the technological building blocks required for a high-speed, survivable, and intelligent military rotorcraft. The program is currently analyzing two primary airframe configurations to determine the optimal solution for future operational requirements:

• Compound Rotorcraft: A design leveraging the Airbus “Racer” demonstrator concept, utilizing a traditional main rotor for lift and side-mounted propellers for high-speed cruise.
• Tilt-Rotor: A configuration led by Leonardo, similar to the V-22 Osprey, capable of tilting rotors to combine vertical takeoff with the speed of a fixed-wing aircraft.

Beyond the airframe, the consortium is developing critical subsystems essential for modern warfare. These include “Manned-Unmanned Teaming” (MUM-T) capabilities, allowing helicopter crews to control accompanying drones, and cognitive cockpits driven by AI to manage pilot workload. The project also prioritizes cyber resilience to ensure secure communications in jammed environments.

AirPro News Analysis

The launch of ENGRT II highlights a pivotal moment for European defense integration. By securing funding and alignment across 12 nations, the EU is signaling a strong commitment to “strategic autonomy.” Without this program, European member states looking to replace aging fleets in the 2040s might be forced to procure “off-the-shelf” American solutions, such as those emerging from the U.S. Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program.

Furthermore, the alignment between ENGRT II and NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) is crucial. While NATO defines the operational requirements (the “what”), ENGRT is positioning itself to provide the industrial solution (the “how”). The success of this phase will likely determine whether the European aerospace industry can present a competitive, homegrown alternative to US dominance in the vertical lift sector.

Timeline and Next Steps

The execution of ENGRT II is scheduled to run from 2026 through 2029. During this period, the consortium aims to finalize concepts and conduct simulation and wind tunnel testing. Following this maturation phase, the industry expects to select a preferred concept for the NATO NGRC program around 2027, with a target for full-scale development launch by 2030.

Sources: Airbus, European Defence Fund (EDF).

This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.

Embraer and Mahindra Group Propose C-390 MRO Facility to Boost “Make in India” Bid

New Delhi, In a significant move to strengthen their joint bid for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) program, Embraer and the Mahindra Group announced on February 19, 2026, that they will collaborate to establish a comprehensive Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. This initiative is designed to support the C-390 Millennium fleet should the aircraft be selected by the IAF.

The announcement builds upon a Strategic Cooperation Agreement (SCA) signed by the two companies in October 2025, which outlined plans to manufacture the multi-mission military transport aircraft domestically. According to the joint statement, the proposed MRO facility aims to ensure high operational readiness and long-term autonomy for the Indian Air Force, aligning directly with the Indian government’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative.

Deepening the Industrial Partnership

The proposed facility is intended to provide a full spectrum of sustainment services within India. Embraer states that these services will include base and heavy maintenance, structural inspections, component repair and overhaul, avionics support, and technical training. By localizing these capabilities, the partners aim to eliminate the need for foreign dependency regarding critical repairs and lifecycle support.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, emphasized the company’s focus on long-term localization in the official release:

“Embraer is committed to delivering not only a world‑class aircraft, but also a robust, long‑term support ecosystem tailored to India’s operational and industrial requirements.”

Mahindra Group executives highlighted the operational benefits of the plan. Vinod Sahay, Member of the Group Executive Board at Mahindra Group, noted that a state-of-the-art local MRO capability would ensure “high aircraft availability” and “enhanced operational autonomy” for the IAF throughout the fleet’s service life.

While the primary mission of the facility would be to support the Indian fleet, Embraer indicated it is also evaluating India’s potential to serve as a regional MRO hub. If realized, this hub could provide sustainment services for other C-390 operators in the region, further integrating Indian aerospace companies into Embraer’s global supply chain.

The C-390 Millennium Profile

The C-390 Millennium is a twin-engine jet transport aircraft positioned as a modern alternative to traditional turboprops. According to Embraer, the aircraft offers a payload capacity of up to 26 tons and operates at higher speeds than other medium-sized military-aircraft transports. The in-service fleet has reportedly achieved a mission completion rate exceeding 99 percent.

Key capabilities highlighted in the announcement include:

• Multi-mission flexibility: Capable of cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and aerial firefighting.
• Aerial Refueling: Configurable as both a tanker and a receiver for air-to-air refueling.
• Rugged Operations: Designed to operate from temporary or unpaved runways.

The aircraft has already been selected by several nations, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, South Korea, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia, and Lithuania.

Context: The Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) Program

The collaboration between Embraer and Mahindra targets the Indian Air Force’s requirement to replace aging transport fleets. Industry analysis indicates the IAF is seeking to replace its Antonov An-32s and potentially older Ilyushin Il-76s. The tender is estimated to cover a requirement for 40 to 80 aircraft with a payload capacity between 18 and 30 tonnes.

The C-390 faces competition from established platforms. The Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 is already in service with the IAF, and the Airbus A400M offers a heavier payload capacity. By guaranteeing local MRO capabilities, Embraer and Mahindra are attempting to match the infrastructure advantages held by competitors who already have established footprints in the Indian defense ecosystem.

AirPro News Analysis

The pledge to establish a local MRO facility is a strategic necessity rather than just a value-add. In recent years, the Indian Ministry of Defence has prioritized “operational sovereignty”, the ability to maintain and repair defense assets without relying on external supply chains that could be disrupted during geopolitical crises.

While the C-390 offers a unique “sweet spot” in terms of payload (26 tons) and speed (jet propulsion) compared to its turboprop rivals, the lack of an existing logistics tail in India was a potential weakness. This announcement directly addresses that gap. If Embraer and Mahindra can credibly demonstrate that their MRO plan will create high-skill jobs and transfer genuine technical know-how, it significantly strengthens their bid against competitors like the C-130J, which benefits from existing IAF infrastructure, and the A400M.

Embraer’s Existing Footprint

Embraer is not a new entrant to the Indian market. The company reports having nearly 50 aircraft currently operating in the country across commercial, defense, and business aviation sectors. Notably, the Indian Air Force’s ‘Netra’ Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft is built on the Embraer ERJ145 platform, and the Legacy 600 is used by the IAF and Border Security Force for VIP transport.

Carlos Naufel, President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, stated that the new collaboration intends to expand relationships with Indian aerospace companies to “drive higher localisation” of the C-390 program.

Sources: Embraer Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Army.

U.S. Army Delivers First AH-64E Apaches to Australia Amid Deepening Defense Ties

The U.S. Army Security Assistance Command (USASAC) has successfully completed the delivery of the first two AH-64E Apache helicopters to Australia, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of the Australian Army’s aviation capabilities. The delivery, executed via a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III, is the first step in fulfilling a Foreign Military Sales case that will eventually see 29 of these advanced attack helicopters operating in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to the U.S. Army, the aircraft arrived at RAAF Base Townsville, where they were rapidly assembled and prepared for flight. This acquisition is part of Australia’s Project LAND 4503, a strategic initiative designed to replace the aging Eurocopter Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters with a fleet optimized for littoral maneuvers and long-range precision strikes.

Rapid Deployment and Logistics

The logistical execution of the delivery highlighted the interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces. USASAC officials reported that the transition from cargo unloading to initial flight readiness took less than 24 hours, a timeline that underscores the efficiency of the joint teams involved.

Savannah Bryant, the Country Program Manager for Australia at USASAC, emphasized the collaborative nature of the operation in an official statement:

“The efficiency of the entire operation was remarkable. The aircraft progressed from unloading to assembly to initial flight in under 24 hours. The delivery was free from hiccups; a true testament to the expertise and dedication of all the teams supporting this effort.”

The delivery team included personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Boeing, the Aviation Field Maintenance Directorate, and the Australian Army. The U.S. government has committed to maintaining this pace of delivery, with the full fleet of 29 helicopters scheduled to be in place by the end of 2028.

Strategic Context: The U.S.-Australia Alliance

This transfer of military hardware occurs against a backdrop of intensified defense cooperation between Washington and Canberra. The delivery follows the 35th Australia-U.S. Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) held on December 8, 2025. During these meetings, leaders from both nations reaffirmed their commitment to integrating their defense industrial bases and accelerating joint initiatives to deter regional threats.

The official release noted that allies and partners remain a top priority for the Department of War. Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles welcomed the arrival of the aircraft, noting the capability leap they represent for the Australian Defence Force.

“The Apache is the most advanced attack helicopter operating today and the (Australian) government is pleased to welcome the first two helicopters.”

Technical Upgrades and Training

The transition to the AH-64E Version 6 (v6) offers the Australian Army a significant technological advantage over the legacy Tiger fleet. Key improvements include:

• Network Integration: The Apache v6 features Link 16 and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities, allowing pilots to control drones and share real-time targeting data with naval and air assets.
• Sensors and Targeting: Equipped with the AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar, the Apache can track 128 targets simultaneously, a critical capability for high-intensity conflict.
• Survivability: Unlike the Tiger, which relied on stealth and agility, the Apache is built with heavy armor and redundant systems designed to sustain combat damage.

To ensure a smooth adoption of these complex systems, Australian Army personnel have been embedded with allied units for training. Pilots and maintenance crews have conducted training at the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, while technicians have worked alongside British Army units in the United Kingdom to learn from their recent transition to the AH-64E model.

AirPro News Analysis

The arrival of the AH-64E Apache represents more than a simple hardware upgrade; it signals a doctrinal shift for the Australian Army. By moving away from the Tiger ARH, a platform often criticized for low availability and high sustainment costs, Australia is aligning its aviation doctrine more closely with U.S. and NATO standards.

The inclusion of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) is particularly relevant for the Indo-Pacific theater. In a littoral environment, the ability of an attack helicopter to project force by controlling forward-deployed drones allows the manned aircraft to remain outside the range of enemy air defenses while still delivering kinetic effects. This capability directly supports the Australian Army’s transformation into a force capable of long-range strikes and amphibious operations, moving beyond the counter-insurgency focus of previous decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many helicopters is Australia purchasing?
Australia is acquiring a total of 29 AH-64E Apache helicopters.

When will the fleet be fully operational?
The full fleet is expected to be delivered and operational by late 2028 or early 2029, with Initial Operational Capability (IOC) expected in late 2026.

What helicopter is the Apache replacing?
The Apache fleet will replace the Eurocopter Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH), which has been in service with the Australian Army but faced challenges regarding interoperability and cost.

Sources

• U.S. Army