During the last decade there has been a significant trend towards a new submarine armament, with a growing number of countries becoming operators of modern, high-performance boats. It is therefore not surprising that the importance of ASW, in which domain helicopters feature prominently, has also grown. Rotary-wing aircraft offer unparalleled flexibility and in the ASW field are often the front line of search-and-attack. They can move freely and fast above the sea and are mostly invulnerable from submarine response, given the current scarcity of submarine-launched anti-aircraft weapons. Additionally, there is a range of new and advanced airborne sensors of varying natures, which improve submarine detection. In general, the size and weight of ASW helicopters has grown, allowing for longer endurance, higher payloads, and more advanced capabilities.
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