**The Evolving Role of Military Helicopters in the Age of Drone Warfare** In recent years, the increasing use of drones in military operations has raised questions about the future of helicopters in combat. Traditionally, helicopters have played a crucial role in various military functions, including transportation, surveillance, and combat operations. However, with the advancement of drone technology, these functions are now being taken over by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Countries like China and the United States are investing heavily in UAS technology, including vessels that can work alongside piloted aircraft. In fact, the US military has cancelled its plans to develop a new attack reconnaissance aircraft in favour of developing drones. This shift is a reflection of the growing importance of drones in modern warfare. In China, the military is building up a fleet of drones that could play a key role in any potential conflict with Taiwan. Beijing views Taiwan as part of China and has threatened to use force to reunify it with the mainland. The Chinese military has been testing its drone capabilities, including the coordinated deployment of hundreds of small, inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to saturate air defences and conduct simultaneous strikes on critical military infrastructure. This strategy is similar to the one employed by the Nigerian military in the fight against Boko Haram. The Nigerian military has used drones to gather intelligence and conduct precision strikes on terrorist hideouts. The use of drones in warfare is not new to Nigeria. In 2015, the Nigerian Air Force acquired a fleet of surveillance drones to help combat Boko Haram. The drones have been used to gather intelligence and conduct reconnaissance missions, helping the military to track down and neutralize terrorist threats. As the use of drones continues to evolve, it's clear that military helicopters will have to adapt to remain relevant. In the future, helicopters may be used for tasks that require human judgment and expertise, such as search and rescue operations or medical evacuations. However, for combat operations, drones are likely to become the norm. In conclusion, the increasing use of drones in military operations is changing the way countries like China and the United States approach warfare. The Nigerian military is already familiar with the use of drones in combat, and it's likely that helicopters will have to adapt to remain relevant in the age of drone warfare.