Airbus develops a companion drone for fighter aircraft.
The ongoing war in Ukraine highlights the growing importance of drones in warfare. Airbus, a European defense company, is creating a drone specifically designed to work alongside fighter jets. There's recognition of this project from Germany.
Jean-Brice Dumont, director of military aviation at Airbus, underlined the significance of drones during briefings with media outlets. "The demand is clear," he stated. The use of drones will stand out even more.
Airbus's "Wingman" project entails creating a drone that looks like a fighter jet, controlled remotely by a pilot in a combat aircraft. This drone can take on dangerous missions, as per the company's explanation. At the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin, which kicks off on Wednesday, a full-size model of the "Wingman" drone will be showcased, showcasing all its intended abilities, including stealth features, integration of various armaments, advanced sensors, connectivity, and "team solutions."
Airbus is currently in discussions with Germany, who have displayed interest in the project, as well as Spain. According to Michael Schöllhorn, the head of Airbus Defense and Space division, the German Air Force has "clearly communicated" their need for an unmanned aircraft that flies alongside their combat aircraft and aids in their missions.
The "Wingman" system could be operational by 2030, prior to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) which is being developed by France, Germany, and Spain, and is expected to replace European fighter jets such as the Eurofighter and Rafale starting 2040. "The FCAS is a marathon," explained Dumont, "It is wise to approach it gradually." Tasks of the "Wingman" include roles like reconnaissance, targeting ground or air enemies with precise munitions or missiles, and assisting fighter jets in these operations.
The use of drones is prevalent in Russia's war against Ukraine, and in the battles between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Dumont pointed out, "we're arriving late." Other nations have already adopted this technology.
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The German Armed Forces have shown interest in collaborating with Airbus on the "Wingman" project, a drone designed to work with fighter jets. The project, which includes the development of drones equipped with stealth features, advanced sensors, and armaments, is also attracting interest from Spain.
Airbus Group's military division is discussing the use of their "Wingman" drones in conjunction with German fighter aircraft, aiming to support tasks such as reconnaissance and precise enemy targeting by 2030, before the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) becomes operational.
