US military eyes Israeli drone to replace helicopters in high-risk war zones

The U.S. military is exploring the cost-effective, unmanned AIR ONE Cargo eVTOL developed by Israeli startup AIR as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt logistics security. The vehicle is a fully electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for heavy-lift logistics, defense, and humanitarian applications. Designed to carry payloads of up to 550 pounds (250 kilograms), the aircraft offers a key advantage in high-risk environments: it can operate without a pilot in contested zones, including areas affected by the current U.S.-Iran standoff. Priced at roughly $1 million, it comes at a fraction of the cost of a traditional manned helicopter.

“In areas like the Strait of Hormuz, there are dozens of ships and constant logistics between them, mostly carried out by helicopters,” AIR CEO and co-founder Rani Plaut said. “These are complex and dangerous operations. Our system is designed to perform them autonomously, without putting human lives at risk.”

Plaut co-founded AIR in 2018 with his partners Chen Rosen and Netanel Goldberg. Despite being a relatively young company, it has already raised approximately $30 million and employs around 70 people across Israel and the United States. Its production facilities are located in Florida and in Kfar Yona, a small community in central Israel near the coastal city of Netanya.

The AIR ONE Cargo completed a successful maiden flight earlier this month. One defense customer has already taken delivery, with additional units slated for transfer to the United States for military evaluation and certification. AIR is currently presenting the platform to the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, all of which continue to rely heavily on manned helicopters.

The U.S. military is reportedly considering the platform for landings on moving vessels at sea, where helicopter operations can pose heightened security risks. Unlike conventional drones, the Israeli cargo aircraft features vertical takeoff and landing capability, eliminating the need for a runway.

“It’s a work platform, not a strategic asset,” Plaut said. “If one is lost, it’s not a major event, and no personnel are put at risk.”

The AIR ONE Cargo eVTOL has a top speed of up to 250 kilometers per hour (155 mph) and is designed for a flying range of approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles) before losing power. The company expects to secure U.S. Federal Aviation Administration certification later this year, paving the way for entry into the large American market.

While the unmanned platform has civilian applications, AIR currently views defense customers as its main growth market.

“Our goal is to make air mobility accessible and routine,” Plaut explained. “But right now, the biggest demand is where the need is most urgent, and that’s in defense and logistics.”

AIR marked another milestone in February, with its new DrN-600 electric cargo drone at the international Singapore Airshow.