Airbus unveiled a new unmanned fighter jet capable of serving as a “loyal wingman”, for RAF pilots who fly Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft.
The European aerospace giant revealed the sleek-looking drone concept at the Berlin International Airshow this week, where defense companies are showcasing their latest products.
The company will be displaying a 1:1-scale “show car” of the machine on the tarmac.
Airbus claims that the Wingman drones can be used to “multiplier” the force of nearby aircraft.
They could be tasked with reconnaissance, jamming of targets, and attacking targets on the ground or in the air using precision guided weapons. This would allow them to undertake high-risk missions which are dangerous to humans.
The company has stressed that pilots will always be the “final decision authority”.
Airbus has said that it will have Wingman operational in the early 2030s. The company is currently exploring the concept of the Wingman with the German Air Force.
The drone will be compatible with the Eurofighter Typhoon jets currently in use by the UK air force, German air force, Italian air force, and Spanish army.
The Ministry of Defence would decide whether or not to purchase this capability.
Airbus confirmed that talks are ongoing with Germany and Spain regarding possible purchases. “We cannot comment whether or not the UK may be interested.”
Airbus has announced the Wingman project, which is its concept for a high-performance, collaborative, autonomous platform of next generation.
Airbus is self-funding a project to develop technologies that will allow the capability to be introduced into service in early 2030, initially operating alongside fighter aircraft of current generation (e.g. Eurofighter).”
Michael Schoellhorn said that the German Air Force has a need for unmanned aircraft to fly with and support missions of their manned fighters before Future Combat Air System becomes operational.
The Wingman concept is the solution. “We will continue to drive and refine this German innovation so that we can ultimately offer the German Air Force an affordable solution with performance needed to maximize the effects and multiply power of their fighter fleet in the 2030s.”
Airbus stated that the drones were designed to “increase the overall combat mass at an affordable price so that air forces could match the number or opposing forces when they are in conflict with each other, or in close proximity.
The machine is one of many unmanned aircraft being developed by defence companies all over the world. This is because militaries are looking for cheaper, more agile vehicles to complement expensive, advanced platforms like F-35 stealth fighter jets.
The US Air Force has been testing the Kratos Valkyrie stealth drone.
The Royal Air Force tested the Spirit Mosquito unmanned unmanned fighter, which was developed by Britain at one time.
The programme was cancelled in 2022, with the air force chiefs stating that they would pursue “smaller and less expensive but highly capable additive capability”.
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