Loyal Wingman Drones Take Center Stage at Berlin Air Show Amid European Rearmament Push

Loyal Wingman Drones Take Center Stage at Berlin Air Show Amid European Rearmament Push

The star attraction at last week's Berlin Air Show was the latest generation of European defense technology: AI-powered "loyal wingman" drones designed to operate alongside crewed combat aircraft.

The war in Ukraine has underscored the growing importance of drones and electronic warfare, prompting European and U.S. defense forces to accelerate development of AI-enabled unmanned aircraft that can support crewed jets while carrying additional sensors, electronic jamming systems, and weaponry.

At the Berlin Air Show, Airbus, Boeing, Helsing, and General Atomics all actively presented their latest designs to the German military and other prospective buyers.

What Is a Loyal Wingman Drone?

Formally known as Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), these platforms range in size from small interceptors to near-full-sized aircraft, flying alongside crewed jets in a "loyal wingman" configuration.

Investment in this technology comes at a pivotal moment, as Europe actively debates building an autonomous defense industry and reducing its dependence on the United States.

"The brain of these systems—the AI agent—certainly needs to be controlled in a sovereignly manageable way," Stephanie Lingemann, Head of Airspace at German defense start-up Helsing, told Reuters at the show.

Germany and France this month shelved plans for a joint next-generation fighter jet program, but are now seeking to preserve elements of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) initiative by pivoting toward associated drone systems and data networks.

Not Yet Deployed in Combat

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated that disrupting an adversary's sensors and communications can be just as decisive as direct kinetic strikes.

Helsing says its electronic attack drone is designed to operate autonomously in swarms alongside strike drones.

Boeing Australia Managing Director Amy List was keen to stress that the MQ-28 Ghost Bat is not a drone but an uncrewed jet aircraft, designed to "enhance the combat capability of crewed platforms and serve as a force multiplier."

Boeing is partnering with German defense giant Rheinmetall to produce what it describes as a proven technology platform.

"It can fly ahead of crewed platforms, provide battlefield situational awareness, analyze data, and relay fused information back to human commanders in a decision-quality format," List told Reuters.

However, loyal wingman drones have not yet been deployed operationally. Boeing says its variant could enter service with the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) as early as 2029, while Airbus's model, the U760b Ravenstorm, is not expected to be delivered until the 2030s.

General Atomics' YFQ-42A remains in the testing phase, having been selected by the U.S. Air Force in 2024 for prototype development funding and support.

Lockheed Martin and U.S. defense technology start-up Anduril are expected to showcase similar technology at upcoming air shows, including the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, which opens on July 20.

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