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.