Sikorsky U-Hawk: Autonomous Helicopter First Flight 2026

Sikorsky is preparing the U-Hawk for its maiden autonomous flight in 2026.

The Sikorsky U-Hawk, developed by Sikorsky (a Lockheed Martin company), is scheduled for its first flight in 2026 and is being pitched to the US and NATO allies as an unmanned rotorcraft for battlefield and logistics tasks. The program signals continued Western investment in autonomous military aviation.

Designed for full unmanned operations, the U-Hawk aims to carry out resupply, casualty evacuation and reconnaissance missions without putting aircrew at risk. Sikorsky describes the platform as tailored to contested environments where remote or autonomous flight reduces vulnerability.

Why the Sikorsky U-Hawk matters

The U-Hawk’s autonomy could let commanders move materiel and sensors into forward areas with lower notice and risk. By removing the requirement for an onboard crew, the helicopter can be optimized for payload, endurance and mission systems rather than human survivability features.

First flight: planned in 2026 for the Sikorsky U-Hawk.
Role: unmanned battlefield support, logistics and reconnaissance.
Operators: intended for US services and NATO allies.
Strategic impact: highlights Western focus on autonomous military aviation and rapid innovation.

Details on specific airframe lineage, exact development milestones and operational squadrons remain limited in public reporting. Sikorsky has positioned the U-Hawk as part of a broader push to deliver next-generation unmanned systems that complement crewed aircraft and free up piloted assets for missions requiring human judgment.