Cruzille is skeptical that large vertical takeoff drones will offer a simple or cheaper substitute for helicopters, arguing that once they require turbine-class power and useful endurance, they converge toward helicopter-like size, complexity, and cost.

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Both officers pointed to counter-drone warfare as one of the most consequential new mission sets for rotary aviation. France has begun integrating anti-UAS tasks into the employment of its Tiger attack helicopters, whose cannon and sighting systems are suited to tracking small aerial targets at night. Transport helicopters such as the NH90 Caïman could also contribute with cabin or rear-ramp gunners.

Other Western militaries are exploring similar concepts. The US Army has used Apache attack helicopters to engage small drones during demonstrations, leveraging cannon and guided 70mm rockets as part of a layered counter-UAS approach.

French planners are also exploring manned-unmanned teaming concepts in which Tigers or Caïmans would release small drones from the aircraft to provide reconnaissance several kilometers ahead of the formation.