Europe Accelerates Development of AI-Powered Wingman Drones as Future Air Combat Takes Shape

BY EMMANUEL OGBONNA

The future of aerial warfare took center stage at last week’s Berlin Airshow, where defense companies showcased a new generation of artificial intelligence-powered “wingman” drones designed to fly alongside fighter jets and dramatically expand their combat capabilities.

As military planners around the world study lessons from modern conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, unmanned systems have emerged as one of the most significant developments in warfare. The growing effectiveness of drones, combined with the increasing importance of electronic warfare and battlefield data networks, has pushed defense manufacturers in Europe and the United States to invest heavily in collaborative combat aircraft, commonly known as wingman drones.

The technology was among the most closely watched exhibits at the Berlin event, where major defense firms presented competing visions of how future air forces could combine manned and unmanned aircraft into highly connected combat formations. Companies including Airbus, Boeing, Helsing and General Atomics used the exhibition to promote their latest designs to military officials, defense experts and potential international customers.

Wingman drones, also referred to as collaborative combat aircraft, are designed to operate in close coordination with traditional fighter jets. Unlike conventional drones that are often controlled remotely from distant locations, these systems are intended to work as intelligent partners for human pilots. They can carry sensors, weapons, surveillance equipment, communication systems and electronic warfare payloads while flying alongside crewed aircraft during missions.

Military strategists see the concept as a way to increase combat power without placing additional pilots at risk. Depending on the mission, wingman aircraft can scout ahead of fighter formations, identify threats, jam enemy radar systems, gather intelligence or even engage hostile targets before a manned aircraft enters dangerous airspace.

The size and capabilities of these aircraft vary significantly. Some designs resemble small interceptor drones, while others are nearly as large as traditional fighter aircraft. Despite their differences, they share the same objective: extending the reach, survivability and effectiveness of crewed military aircraft.

The rapid pace of development comes as Europe faces a broader debate over defense independence and military self-sufficiency. Governments across the continent have increased defense spending amid concerns about regional security and questions regarding long-term reliance on American military technology. Many policymakers argue that Europe must strengthen its domestic defense industry and ensure that critical technologies, particularly those involving artificial intelligence, remain under European control.

Industry leaders say sovereignty over AI systems has become a key issue as military operations become increasingly dependent on autonomous decision-making tools. The software controlling future combat aircraft is expected to be as important as the hardware itself, making ownership and oversight of those systems a strategic priority for governments.

Germany and France have recently sought to reshape parts of their future air combat ambitions after shelving plans for a joint next-generation fighter aircraft. Rather than abandoning cooperation entirely, the two countries are now exploring ways to preserve elements of the broader Future Combat Air System initiative through the development of advanced drones and integrated military data networks.

The war in Ukraine has reinforced the urgency of those efforts. Military analysts note that the conflict has demonstrated how electronic warfare can influence the outcome of battles as much as conventional weapons. The ability to disrupt communications, interfere with sensors, jam navigation systems and confuse enemy targeting networks has become increasingly valuable on the modern battlefield.

German defense technology company Helsing believes autonomous systems will play a major role in future conflicts. The company has developed electronic attack drones designed to operate within coordinated swarms alongside strike drones. Such formations could overwhelm enemy defenses, collect intelligence and conduct electronic warfare operations simultaneously while reducing risks to human pilots.

Boeing has taken a somewhat different approach with its MQ-28 Ghost Bat program. Company executives describe the aircraft not simply as a drone but as an unmanned jet intended to function as a force multiplier for manned aircraft. The system is designed to work closely with fighter pilots by collecting information, analyzing threats and sharing critical battlefield intelligence in real time.

The aircraft can fly ahead of crewed formations, expanding situational awareness and gathering data from areas that may be too dangerous for conventional aircraft. Advanced onboard systems can process information rapidly and deliver actionable intelligence to human operators, helping commanders make faster and more informed decisions during combat operations.

Boeing is working with German defense manufacturer Rheinmetall to adapt and potentially produce the technology for European customers. The partnership reflects a broader trend in the defense sector, where international collaborations are becoming increasingly important for accelerating development and meeting military requirements.

Despite the excitement surrounding the technology, wingman aircraft have not yet been deployed in active combat operations. Most programs remain in testing, evaluation or prototype stages as manufacturers work to refine autonomous capabilities, communication systems and operational concepts.

Boeing has indicated that its MQ-28 Ghost Bat could enter service with Germany’s air force by 2029 if development and procurement plans proceed as expected. Airbus is pursuing its own concept, known as the U760b Ravenstorm, though the company anticipates the aircraft will not become operational until the 2030s.

General Atomics is also advancing its YFQ-42A program, which continues to undergo testing in the United States. The aircraft received a major boost when it was selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2024 as one of several next-generation technologies eligible for government funding and prototype support.

Competition in the sector is expected to intensify over the coming months. Defense industry observers anticipate that additional wingman aircraft and collaborative combat systems will be unveiled at major international defense exhibitions, including the upcoming Farnborough International Airshow in Britain. Companies such as Lockheed Martin and Anduril Industries are expected to showcase their own approaches to autonomous air combat technology.

As nations prepare for an era in which artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and electronic warfare increasingly shape military operations, wingman drones are emerging as one of the most significant innovations in modern defense. While the technology has yet to prove itself on the battlefield, defense planners view these aircraft as a crucial element of future air power, capable of transforming how wars are fought in the decades ahead.