IMH 2026 Resources

As NATO finalises requirements for its Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC), collaboration, innovation, and interoperability remain central. With concept studies complete, the programme enters a pivotal phase that will define NATO’s rotary-wing future. Ahead of his briefing at International Military Helicopter 2026, Cyril Heckel, NGRC Programme Manager at the NSPA, discussed recent developments, procurement milestones, and how advanced technologies will drive a sustainable, modular, and mission-ready next-generation platform.

Welcome to International Military Helicopter 2026! Here is your copy of the conference agenda. 

The International Military Helicopter Conference (IMH) 2026 returned to the Novotel London West, London, United Kingdom, from 24–26 February 2026, marking its 25th anniversary as the longest-standing and most respected global forum dedicated to rotary-wing capability development. Bringing together Army and Naval Aviation Commanders, as well as Air Force leaders, Programme Heads, and Capability Developers, the conference once again served as a critical platform for shaping the future of vertical lift in an increasingly complex and contested operating environment. At its core, IMH 2026 was designed to address the evolving role of rotary aviation against the backdrop of modern conflict and rapid technological advancement.

IMH 2026 welcomed over 600 attendees from across 50 nations, with 45 military and government speakers contributing to the agenda. The event achieved an overall satisfaction rating of 96% reflecting its continued relevance and value to the global rotary-wing community. This post-show report provides a comprehensive overview of the key insights shared throughout the conference. It captures the most significant themes from each day, offering a clear and accessible summary for those who attended, as well as those seeking to understand the direction of travel for military helicopter capability development.

Hear from Cyril Heckel as he reflects on his experience speaking at International Military Helicopter 2026 and expands on the key themes from his session. In this exclusive interview, Cyril shares insights into the latest developments surrounding NGRC, discussing emerging capability requirements, recently unveiled concept study visuals, and the critical trade-offs shaping the programme as it progresses towards key 2026 milestones.

Watch now to gain deeper context behind the presentation and hear directly from one of the industry's leading voices.

The International Military Helicopter Conference 2026 was the place to be; where global rotary-wing leaders meet to shape the future of military aviation. From cutting-edge technology discussions to strategic capability development, IMH continues to be the premier platform for collaboration across armed forces and industry innovators.

As preparations for 2027 are in full swing, download the IMH 2026 Attendee List now and discover what the conference is all about.

In an era increasingly defined by contested airspaces, peer competition, and integrated multi-domain operations, the technological evolution of rotary aviation is far from incremental. Instead, the next two decades will see rotary aviation transform via human–machine teaming, advanced networking, survivability upgrades, immersive training, and more central roles in joint operations. 

In this report, these trends are explored in depth, with illustrative examples and forward projections.