Orion 2026 - Helicopters and drones in modern air combat

(Photo André Bour - Helicopassion) From an NH90 Caiman, a Tiger attack helicopter seen in tactical flight during the final phase of Orion 2026

This Helicopassion report offers a rare in-flight immersion into the combined use of NH90 Caiman and Tiger helicopters with drones, illustrating the rapid evolution of modern air-land combat.

The photos were taken on April 23, 2026, from Chaumont-Semoutiers air base and during a flight aboard an NH90 Caiman helicopter.

Orion 2026 and the rise of drone-enabled air combat

In eastern France, the final phase of Orion 2026 highlights a major shift in air combat operations. Beyond the scale of forces involved, the exercise demonstrates a transformation in how helicopters operate — no longer alone, but as part of a broader system combining intelligence, drones, target designation and stand-off strike capabilities.

This report was conducted from inside an NH90 Caiman helicopter, offering a rarely accessible perspective on aircraft in flight, including Tiger attack helicopters engaged in the maneuver.

From this position, helicopters could be photographed from the front or three-quarter angles — a viewpoint rarely achieved in flight — combining technical readability with the dynamics of the mission.

Operating from Chaumont, helicopters from the French Army’s 4th Combat Aviation Brigade took part in a coordinated, high-intensity multinational exercise involving around twenty French helicopters and six Spanish aircraft.

(Photo André Bour - Helicopassion) An NH90 Caiman taking off from Chaumont, with other helicopters involved in the final phase of Orion 2026 visible on the ground

(Photo André Bour - Helicopassion) A crew chief at the door of an NH90 Caiman during takeoff

Seeing without being exposed

One of the key developments observed during Orion 2026 is the growing role of drones in combat operations. Where helicopters once had to approach the target area to observe or designate, drones can now be deployed ahead, closer to the threat.

For crews, the benefit is immediate: maintaining distance, reducing exposure and limiting detection. The drone becomes a forward sensor, capable of providing intelligence, guiding strikes or even delivering its own payload.

This is particularly evident with FPV drones, remotely piloted in real time from the helicopter. In this role, the drone is no longer just a sensor — it becomes a discreet and highly agile munition.

(Photo André Bour - Helicopassion) An NH90 Caiman carrying armed drones, photographed from another NH90 during the mission

(Photo André Bour - Helicopassion) An NH90 Caiman in flight over eastern France during the final phase of Orion 2026

(Video André Bour - Helicopassion) In-flight aboard an NH90 Caiman during the final phase of Orion 2026

The Tiger and remote target designation

For the Tiger attack helicopter, this evolution is equally significant. While long-range engagement capabilities already exist, they traditionally required the crew or ground forces to designate the target.

With drone-based target designation, this constraint changes. Neither the helicopter crew nor troops on the ground need to expose themselves to identify and mark the objective.

In this configuration, the Tiger remains a key strike asset, but can operate from a safer distance, fully integrated into a broader targeting and intelligence chain.

(Photo André Bour - Helicopassion) A Hellfire missile and rocket pods on a Tiger attack helicopter: the missile enables stand-off engagement through remote target designation, while rockets are used at shorter range

(Photo André Bour - Helicopassion) A Tiger attack helicopter in tactical flight, photographed from an NH90 Caiman over the exercise area

The NH90 as a drone-launching platform

Another major development is the deployment of drones directly from helicopters in flight. The NH90 Caiman, traditionally used for transport and assault missions, now acts as a platform capable of launching and operating drones.

This dual capability allows drones to be deployed closer to the area of operations while keeping the helicopter at a safe distance. It extends operational reach and provides crews with additional tools to observe and strike without direct exposure.

This integration does not replace traditional helicopter operations — it expands them, introducing new capabilities and requiring new onboard roles, including drone operators working alongside flight crews.

(Photo André Bour - Helicopassion) An NH90 Caiman pilot wearing a TopOwl helmet at the end of a mission during Orion 2026

Preparing the future of air-land combat

Orion 2026 brings together a complex operational environment involving allied forces, logistics, intelligence, helicopters and drones within a single coordinated maneuver.

The increasing use of drones reflects a broader evolution accelerated by recent conflicts. For air combat units, it offers new possibilities: better situational awareness, longer-range engagement and reduced exposure for crews.

One conclusion stands out clearly: helicopters remain central to air-land combat, but now operate as part of a larger, interconnected system where drones extend their capabilities.

Modern air combat is no longer defined by helicopters alone, but by a coordinated network combining precision, mobility, firepower and survivability.

(Photo André Bour - Helicopassion) An NH90 Caiman returning after a flight sequence conducted from Chaumont