Naval helicopters and their role in combating surface vessels – Author: Cam (rtr) Dr. Constantin CIOROBEA[1]
MARITIME SECURITY FORUM
Maritime power consists of the political, economic and military capabilities of a state through which it can assert its national interests at sea and from the sea. Romania must understand, before it is too late, the importance of promoting its interests in the maritime environment and modernising its Naval Forces, and naval helicopters represent such a military capability, ensuring the diversification of missions in the maritime domain and an adequate response to current security challenges, including hybrid ones.
By attacking Ukraine, the Russian Federation has unleashed the largest and deadliest war in Europe since the Second World War, which has brought about significant changes in the way operations are conducted on land and in the air, but also in the maritime domain, demonstrating that traditional naval supremacy can be rapidly eroded by asymmetric, innovative and sometimes even low-cost means. The Russian fleet, perceived for decades as an essential instrument for projecting Russian power in the Black Sea and even in the Mediterranean, has become, during the conflict, a living example of the vulnerability of large conventional structures in the face of new combat capabilities and ways of waging war.
The concept of naval supremacy, i.e. traditional forces and means of projecting maritime power, is today facing multiple challenges from conventional military capabilities, but especially from low-cost technologies, unmanned systems and precision munitions. In this complex environment, the maritime domain is rapidly transforming into a theatre of operations characterised by flexibility, information volatility and structural vulnerability. The naval losses suffered by Russia in the war in Ukraine are thus not only the result of the fighting itself, but also a consequence of the inadequacy of a certain type of military thinking to the realities of modern warfare.
The operational surprise represented by the actions of unmanned vehicles has prompted the Russian Federation to react, and one course of action is the formation of special units whose mission will be to hunt down Ukrainian drones. The units will include Mi-28NM attack helicopters, whose crews have been specially trained to carry out such missions. Ukraine, for its part, has begun to deploy attack helicopters, such as the MI-28, to intercept Shahed drones launched by Russian forces. These have proven difficult to detect and neutralise with conventional radar and missiles, but vulnerable to direct machine gun fire from an agile aerial platform.
In turn, some NATO member states, such as Finland, are now translating this lesson into their own doctrine, integrating helicopters into their air defence architecture. ‘A spectacular demonstration of Finland’s new military doctrine took place on 18 May 2025: attack helicopters were used to neutralise hostile drones in a live combat exercise directly inspired by the Ukrainian front.’[2] This demonstration was not just a training exercise, but a clear strategic signal: Finland is adapting its defence to the realities of modern warfare, as tested daily in Ukraine. Faced with an increasingly intense threat from Russia, which is reactivating Soviet-era military bases near the Finnish border, the authorities in Helsinki have chosen to combine the mobility of helicopters with the economic efficiency of machine guns. And the use of these weapons in low-altitude air interception scenarios provides a rapid and flexible response to cheap and numerous drones. ‘This is a spectacular comeback for the helicopter in air defence roles, after decades of being limited to transport and reconnaissance,’[3] comments a NATO analyst.
Federico Borsari, a defence expert at the Centre for European Policy Analysis, also highlighted the growing importance of helicopters in modern military operations: ‘Israeli Apache helicopters have been used in the past to intercept hostile drones from Lebanon and Syria, so it is no surprise to see them back in action.’[4]
Romania’s geostrategic position and the security situation in the Black Sea region require the adaptation of defence to the realities of modern warfare by setting clear priorities: contributing to deterrence on NATO’s southern flank, supporting EU security projects in the region, increasing operational capacity as quickly as possible by 2030, and adapting to technological developments resulting from the war in Ukraine. Helicopters can make an important contribution to ensuring an adequate response to current security challenges. The ability of helicopters to operate from the coast or from aboard a ship, to operate for long periods of time and to fly close to the sea surface to avoid detection demonstrates their importance in the maritime environment. Initially, their traditional role was to carry out reconnaissance, search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation missions at sea. With the increase in helicopter capabilities and the continuous improvement of integrated sensor systems, their role has expanded to include anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), counter-unmanned systems and electronic warfare (EW).
Globally, we can identify two trends in the use of helicopters for maritime missions. For countries with access to closed or semi-closed seas, which have limited ambitions in this area, the use of helicopters carried on board ships, usually frigates/corvettes and even from shore, remains by far the most appropriate approach. Countries with ambitions that exceed the regional level are more inclined to adopt a different model in which aircraft carriers and aircraft are the main capability and helicopters are only a support capability.
Naval helicopters have become an integral part of modern warfare, serving multiple roles from reconnaissance to attack missions. Their versatility allows them to perform a variety of operations, such as anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and logistical support for naval forces. These aircraft can contribute to maritime situational awareness and intelligence gathering. Equipped with advanced sensors and communications systems, naval helicopters can transmit critical information in real time, thereby improving decision-making. Their ability to operate from ships also ensures a rapid response to various types of threats and facilitates the infiltration of special operations forces and support for their actions.
The effectiveness of naval helicopters and their contribution to maritime security mean that these capabilities are becoming increasingly important in contemporary military operations. Naval helicopters are specialised aircraft designed to operate over the sea to perform various missions, mainly from ships but also from the coast.
The distinctive features of these aircraft, and in particular their ability to operate in harsh maritime environments, differentiate them from helicopters operating in the land environment. They are equipped with corrosion-resistant materials, targeting systems, advanced avionics necessary for operation over the sea, special equipment for flying over the sea and for maintaining operation in adverse weather conditions.
Another important feature is the incorporation of advanced technologies to ensure improved operational capability. Thus, naval helicopters are equipped with sophisticated radar and data transmission systems, submarine surveillance equipment and weapon systems for combat against ships, aircraft and submarines, capabilities that allow rapid transition between different mission profiles. The combat engagement of naval helicopters often involves close coordination with surface ships and submarines. Equipped with advanced surveillance systems, they can monitor large areas, collect data on the naval situation, transmit this data to command and control structures and launch attacks on naval, air or land targets.
They also carry out insertions and extractions of special operations forces and support their actions, facilitated by their ability to operate from aboard ships. In addition, naval helicopters can engage in missions to protect critical infrastructure and combat piracy and terrorism, thus demonstrating their strategic importance.
Ships use helicopters to carry out various combat or combat support missions, thereby enhancing their surveillance, detection and fire control capabilities. These collaborations illustrate the essential role of naval helicopters in modern naval warfare. In addition, coordination between naval helicopters and ship crews enhances the combat capabilities of ships.
Given the capabilities of naval helicopters, naval forces around the world have recently announced various programmes related to helicopters designed to combat surface ships, submarines or multi-role helicopters. The growing trend to invest in such capabilities is not surprising, given the technological progress and diversification of maritime assets.
Although there is increased focus on the development and testing of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) used in combat against surface ships or submarines, naval helicopters still play an important role in naval forces. Helicopters can be quickly deployed from ships, are equipped with sophisticated sensors and armed with torpedoes and missiles that can attack enemy ships and submarines. Helicopters are often used as multi-role aircraft performing support, combat support or search and rescue missions at sea.
In October 2024, the British Royal Navy successfully completed the first launch of the Sea Venom anti-surface missile from an AW159 Lynx Wildcat HMA2 helicopter. After the mission, Commodore Nick Sargent, DE&S’ Head of Helicopters, said, “This missile launch marks a vital step forward in the integration of the Sea Venom missile on what is already a remarkable helicopter to provide the Royal Navy with a global combat capability. I am grateful to everyone across the industry and the Ministry of Defence who have worked so hard to reach this stage.”[5] This marks a significant milestone in the integration of Sea Venom onto the Wildcat to provide the helicopter with an offensive capability against surface targets up to corvette size. The Royal Navy introduced the Wildcat helicopters into service in 2015. Together with the Martlet missiles, Sea Venom ensures that the Wildcat helicopter can deliver a formidable capability against a range of targets at sea and on the coast.
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force has selected the SH-60L helicopter (unveiled in March 2024), developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which will become one of the most modern helicopters designed for surface and anti-submarine warfare.[6]
The NH90 Sea Tiger is the latest naval variant of the NH90 helicopter, developed to meet the German Navy’s requirements for advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) capabilities. This helicopter is designed to operate from frigates and other ships.[7] According to information published by Airbus on 8 November 2024, the NH90 Sea Tiger, an advanced maritime helicopter designed for modern naval operations, has successfully completed an extensive flight test campaign.
Greece is the seventh country to receive the US-made MH-60R naval helicopter. In Europe, Denmark operates nine MH-60R aircraft, while Spain and Norway jointly placed orders in 2023 for 14 MH-60R helicopters.[8] The MH-60R aircraft can perform anti-submarine and anti-surface ship missions, operating from ships or from the coast.
Spain is working to develop its naval defence capabilities by launching a €10 million feasibility study to assess the integration of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) on an advanced variant of the NH90 helicopter. This initiative reflects Spain’s ambition to modernise its helicopters to develop a new anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare configuration. The research project on the modernisation of the NH90, a helicopter already in service with the Navy and Air Force, would represent a leap forward, equipped to address complex maritime threats. And the integration of the NSM missile could give the helicopter formidable anti-ship capabilities. The study also includes determining the helicopter’s compatibility with future C-295 maritime patrol aircraft and F-100 and F-110 frigates.
In conclusion, Romania’s decision to purchase Airbus H215M helicopters is in line with a broader international trend towards the use of such capabilities. However, it should be noted that Romania has a long tradition of using air assets in operations over the sea. The first elements of aviation in the Romanian Navy date back to 1920, when, by Royal Decree No. 2256 bis of 15 May 1920, under the command of Captain Constantin Negru, the Seaplane Squadron was established, marking the creation of the Maritime Aviation Group.
The first flight of a Romanian helicopter over the Mediterranean Sea was performed in 1998, when the frigate ‘Mărășești’, carrying an IAR 316 B Alouette helicopter, participated in the ‘Strong Resolve 1998’ exercise in the Atlantic Ocean[9].
However, the revival of this tradition was marked by the programme to equip the Naval Forces with helicopters, which began in May 2005, when a contract was signed for the purchase of three helicopters to serve Romanian frigates during specific missions. And on 1 May 2005, based on the Order of the Minister of National Defence No. MS 28 of 20 February 2006 and the Order of the Chief of the General Staff No. B5/ S/ 966 of 26 April 2006, the Helicopter Group of the 56th Frigate Flotilla was established. The IAR 330 helicopter, manufactured by IAR Brașov under a licence purchased from the French company Aérospatiale, was selected to equip the Naval Forces. This programme was one of the few military collaborations between a NATO country and a communist bloc country, and began in July 1974.[10] Among the variants produced is the IAR 330 Puma Naval, a naval helicopter, three of which were delivered to the Romanian Naval Forces between 2007 and 2015.
In June 2005, the first landing of the IAR 330 Puma NAVAL helicopter took place on the deck of the frigate 221 ‘Regele Ferdinand’, and on 13 July 2007, the first IAR 330 Puma NAVAL helicopter with registration number 140 entered service in the Military Port of Constanța.07.2007, the ceremony marking the entry into service of the first IAR 330 Puma NAVAL helicopter, with registration number 140, took place in the Military Port of Constanța in the presence of the Chief of the General Staff, Admiral Dr. Gheorghe MARIN.[11]
The IAR-330 Puma Naval project has proven to be a real success thanks to the developments made by IAR Brașov. Since joining the Naval Forces, these helicopters and their crews have participated, independently or on board ships, in all national and multinational exercises. These exercises and the way in which the IAR-330 Puma Naval helicopters have fulfilled their missions have led, as emphasised by Commander (ret.) Tudorel Duță, to ‘the Puma Naval helicopters and their crews being spoken of with respect in the shipborne aviation community.’[12] However, the important contribution of naval helicopters was represented by their special role in the successful completion of Naval Forces missions in the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. The participation of the frigate Regele Ferdinand in the European Union’s anti-piracy mission, ‘Operation Atalanta 2012,’ can be considered a test of maturity for naval helicopters. “In almost three months of operation, including the voyage to the Gulf of Aden, there were 113 hours of flight, day and night in all weather conditions. Flights were carried out in the Mediterranean Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, north and south of the equator. They carried out surveillance missions of the mandatory transit corridor for commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden, reconnaissance of coastal areas and Somali localities known to be pirate strongholds, and surveillance of suspicious vessels.”[13] Although perhaps less important, it is worth mentioning the logistical support missions provided to the frigate landing at Djibouti airport and a medical evacuation from the frigate, located 200 nautical miles offshore, to Mogadishu airport, the capital of Somalia.
The IAR-330 Puma Naval helicopters underwent several stages of development before they were able to operate from ships. The first stage, from 2006 to 2008, involved configuring the three helicopters in an initial form that allowed them to fly over the sea and operate safely from ships, as well as carry out maritime reconnaissance missions, transport personnel and equipment, search and rescue, and special forces support.
The next phase consisted of installing and integrating avionics systems and naval surveillance radars enabling maritime surveillance and the detection of surface targets. This was followed by the installation and integration of tactical consoles that enable the recognition of the maritime situation, the classification and monitoring of surface targets, and the exchange of data with other ships and aircraft via the NATO encrypted data link system, in a LINK 11 network. The final stage, designed to provide the capabilities necessary to fulfil the basic mission of anti-submarine warfare, was completed in 2015 with the testing and approval of the hydroacoustic beacon launch system and the torpedo launch system.
The continuation within the Naval Forces of the successful Puma Naval helicopter programme, through the launch of a new programme for helicopters with anti-surface warfare capabilities, indicates that these remain essential for future naval operations. Naval helicopters offer the possibility of intercepting and striking enemy ships at a time and place chosen by the Strike Group commander. This capability further enhances the combat effectiveness of ships, and the acquisition of the helicopters will enhance Romania’s maritime defence capabilities and deepen cooperation with international allies in the field of naval security. Ship-based helicopters extend and amplify the capabilities of on-board sensors and weapon systems against multiple types of enemy threats, including submarines of all types, surface ships and small vessels that can be armed with anti-ship missiles. Helicopters can also perform medical evacuation, search and rescue at sea, personnel and cargo transfer, as well as striking small unmanned boats, providing air support for special forces infiltrations and mine detection.
Given the broader international trend towards the use of naval helicopters and the proven effectiveness of the national IAR-330 Puma Naval programme, the Ministry of Defence requested on 26 October 2022 and received approval from the Joint Standing Committees of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate to purchase two H215M military helicopters[14], and according to the publication Defapt.ro, the contract was signed in December 2023.[15]
The Airbus H215M is a medium-heavy multi-role helicopter that combines the proven reliability of the Cougar and Super Puma families with the autopilot and avionics specific to the latest variants of the Super Puma family. The helicopter can perform a variety of missions, from cargo and troop transport to Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)[16]. The manufacturer says that the H215M helicopters are perfect for all utility missions in extreme environments and on the battlefield. At the same time, Airbus reiterates that it is ‘ready to take its investment to another level, including industrial cooperation, technology transfer and know-how, and investment in personnel training.’[17] According to some analysts, Airbus appears to have the best offer in terms of technology transfer and industrial cooperation. The two H215M helicopters with anti-surface warfare capabilities will be delivered to the Romanian Navy and will operate from the frigates Regina Maria and Regele Ferdinand.
The acquisition costs must be analysed taking into account several aspects that are part of this project: the helicopter itself, the installation of equipment that allows flight over the sea and safe operation from ships, the installation and integration of systems enabling maritime situation awareness, classification and monitoring of surface targets, data exchange with other ships and aircraft via the NATO encrypted data link system, the anti-ship missile, the missile launch control console and the missile launch system. For example, of the €150 million, €30 million is allocated for the Marte-ER anti-ship missile system and related ammunition. The missile contract was signed with the Italian subsidiary of the French company MBDA.
The Ministry claims that the contract signed with IAR Brașov for the two helicopters also includes “the delivery of MBDA Marte ER anti-ship missiles (with extended range), initial logistical support package for two years (parts, tools and devices specific to H215M helicopters), as well as training for flight and technical personnel in accordance with current aviation legislation”.[18] According to a statement issued to DefenseRomania by MBDA, “thanks to its excellent performance, Marte ER will provide state-of-the-art capability for combat missions in surface warfare, enabling the Romanian Navy to defend its sovereign interests in the most effective way possible. This contract marks an important step in the cooperation between MBDA and the Romanian Armed Forces.”[19] MBDA will work with IAR Brașov and Airbus, as well as other partners involved, to integrate the Marte ER missiles into the new helicopters to be delivered to the Romanian Navy and to ensure full system integration. It is important to note that ‘The customisation and completion of these two helicopters will be carried out by our partner IAR,’ said representatives of Airbus Helicopters Romania.
The Airbus H215M ASuW and IAR-330 Puma Naval helicopters are relatively similar in design, allowing for easy training of aviation personnel (pilots and technicians). In addition, more than 800 common references have been identified for the navalisation programme, parts, tools and devices, electrical and hydraulic maintenance benches, used both on board the T22R frigates and at the base airfield in Tuzla. In addition, it can be considered that the H215M could be produced in Ghimbav Brașov, and Georges Durdilly, CEO of Airbus Helicopters Romania, specified that the H215M helicopters could be produced in Brașov not only for Romania, but also for future international orders that Airbus will have for this model. Maintenance for both the H145M and H215M will be carried out in Romania. Airbus estimates that such a programme would create over 1,000 jobs.
Given that the IAR 330 PUMA Naval helicopters are at the end of their technical life, the H215M helicopters could be a future replacement solution. To fulfil their main missions, the H215M ASuW helicopters are configured to meet the requirements of the NATO capability code and are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment.[21]
Conclusions
Maritime power consists of the political, economic and military capabilities of a state through which it can assert its national interests at sea and from the sea. Romania must understand, before it is too late, the importance of promoting its interests in the maritime environment. It urgently needs to modernise its Naval Forces, and naval helicopters represent such a military capability, ensuring the diversification of missions in the maritime domain and an adequate response to current security challenges, including hybrid ones. The Naval Forces must expand their strike power, develop the capabilities necessary to obtain information, those necessary to project power in the Black Sea, ensure credible deterrence and forward presence. Today, as naval forces transform to meet tomorrow’s challenges, the role of naval helicopters is changing and support missions are increasingly becoming more diverse combat missions.
Despite modern networked sensors, extensive use of satellite-derived data, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and maritime surveillance systems, helicopters remain an important combat asset in the maritime environment. Highly mobile and versatile helicopters with appropriate sensors and modern weapon systems can successfully engage surface ships, submarines and unmanned naval and aerial assets. Helicopters have lower operating costs than combat aircraft, and heavy machine guns obviously cost much less than air-to-air missiles.
The recent history of maritime aviation, current security challenges and technological advances support the need for the development of maritime aviation, and a multi-role naval helicopter has the flexibility to be engaged in an increasingly diverse range of missions. As technology advances, the evolution of these aircraft continues to shape the future of naval aviation. Their unique capabilities enhance the effectiveness of naval forces, enabling rapid responses in complex maritime environments, and their importance extends beyond combat roles to include reconnaissance, search and rescue.
Overall, naval helicopters enhance the effectiveness of naval aviation, enabling superior force projection and rapid response capabilities across a range of maritime challenges. Their role is vital in countering actions against critical maritime infrastructure and supporting naval actions in increasingly complex operational theatres.
Bibliography
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MARITIME SECURITY FORUM
[1] Cam (rtr) Dr. CIOROBEA Constantin, CLUBUL AMIRALILOR/ Maritime Security Forum, cciorobea@yahoo.com
[2] https://techrider.ro/defense/lectii-din-ucraina-finlanda-isi-modernizeaza-apararea-aeriana-cu-mitraliere-aeropurtate-contra-dronelor/
[3] https://techrider.ro/defense/lectii-din-ucraina-finlanda-isi-modernizeaza-apararea-aeriana-cu-mitraliere-aeropurtate-contra-dronelor/
[4] https://ziare.com/razboi-ucraina/elicoptere-contra-drone-in-ucraina-si-israel-1906177
[5] https://des.mod.uk/successful-first-guided-firing-of-the-anti-ship-sea-venom-missile-from-the-royal-navys-wildcat-helicopter-2/
[6] JMSDF shows off latest SH-60L naval helos – Asian Military Review
[7] https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2024/nh90-sea-tiger-helicopter-successfully-completes-flight-tests-first-delivery-expected-in-2025
[8] Sikorsky Completes Flight Tests of Three Hellenic Navy MH-60R Helicopters – Naval News
[9] https://cugetliber.ro/stiri-eveniment-fregata-marasesti-la-20-de-ani-dupa-ce-a-simtit-briza-atlanticului-345508
[10] https://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/IAR_330
[11] https://www.navy.ro/despre/organizare/istoric_elicopt.php
[12] https://presamil.ro/iar-330-puma-naval-un-proiect-reusit/
[13] https://presamil.ro/iar-330-puma-naval-un-proiect-reusit/
[14] https://www.libertatea.ro/stiri/parlament-aprobat-mapn-elicoptere-militare-h215m-cost-achizitie-4325813
[15] https://www.defenseromania.ro/romania-a-achizitionat-doua-elicoptere-h215m-airbus-pentru-150-de-milioane-de-euro-mapn-ceruse-inca-din-2022-unda-verde-pentru-achizitie_626397.html#:~:text=Rom%C3%A2nia%20a%20achizi%C8%9Bionat%20dou%C4%83%20elicoptere%20H215M%20Airbus.%20Cele,Defapt.ro%20contractul%20a%20fost%20semnat%20%C3%AEn%20decembrie%202023.
[16] https://umbrela-strategica.ro/iar-brasov-va-furniza-doua-elicoptere-h215-m-asuw-pentru-fortele-navale-romane
[17] https://www.defenseromania.ro/romania-a-achizitionat-doua-elicoptere-h215m-airbus-pentru-150-de-milioane-de-euro-mapn-ceruse-inca-din-2022-unda-verde-pentru-achizitie_626397.html
[18] https://www.monitorfg.ro/2025/05/08/desi-are-fabrica-la-ghimbav-romania-cumpara-elicoptere-din-franta-un-singur-elicopter-airbus-costa-cat-un-avion-f-35/
[19] https://www.bizbrasov.ro/2024/05/23/iar-brasov-rachete-aer-sol-de-ultima-generatie/
[20] https://www.monitorfg.ro/2025/05/08/desi-are-fabrica-la-ghimbav-romania-cumpara-elicoptere-din-franta-un-singur-elicopter-airbus-costa-cat-un-avion-f-35/