Insurgents use strongholds in waning states to train members and mastermind attacks against the U.S. and its allies in direct threat to the National Security Strategy. This study highlights the susceptibility of poorly governed states to be exploited by criminal organizations and how aviation supports the overall U.S. FID effort by facilitating the IDAD tasks of balanced development, security, neutralization, and mobilization. In order to prevent instability inside a Host Nation (HN), it is important to build cohesive IDAD and FID strategies that promote growth and address the underlying causes of fragility, but also underscore the proper government s legitimacy. More specifically, this monologue draws upon historical reference to show how helicopters are the most meaningful assets when it comes to defense and development efforts.