Airbus is developing a drone to accompany fighter aircraft.
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine highlights how crucial drones have become in military battles. Airbus, a European defense company, is developing a drone that will team up with and help fighter jets. Germany is among those with interest in this project.
At the International Air and Space Fair (ILA) Berlin, starting this Wednesday, Airbus will introduce a new drone model. This drone is designed to fly alongside fighter jets during missions and handle risky tasks. Jean-Brice Dumont, Airbus' head of military aviation, said to reporters, "The need is there," and the role of drones will only become more prominent.
The "Wingman" project involves a drone model similar to a fighter jet, remotely operated by a pilot in a jet. The drone is planned to have features like camouflage, a range of weapons, advanced sensors, connectivity, and "team solutions." It will be unveiled in its original form at the ILA from Wednesday, displaying all its planned capabilities.
Airbus is in discussions with Germany, which has shown interest, as well as Spain. The German Air Force is searching for an unmanned aircraft that operates with their manned combat aircraft and aids in their missions, according to Michael Schöllhorn, Airbus Defense and Space division's director.
The "Wingman" concept could be operational by 2030, before the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) being developed by France, Germany, and Spain to replace Eurofighter and Rafale fighter jets from 2040. Dumont stated, "The FCAS is a long journey. It's smart to get there in stages." The "Wingman's" tasks include reconnaissance, disturbing targets, attacking ground and air targets with precision munitions or rockets.
Unmanned aircraft have become an essential tool in Russia's war against Ukraine and the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Dumont admitted, "we're a bit late to the party." Other countries haven't been patient.
Read also:
- The German Armed Forces are also interested in the drone being developed by Airbus, as they search for an unmanned aircraft to collaborate with their manned combat aircraft during missions.
- Airbus Group's military aviation division is working on a 'Wingman' drone project, which involves creating a drone model similar to a fighter jet, capable of carrying weapons, advanced sensors, and teaming up with human-piloted fighter aircraft.
- Educating pilots on how to effectively operate and rely on drones like the 'Wingman' will become increasingly important in the future, as the role of unmanned aircraft in fighter squadrons becomes more prominent in both European and international militaries.
