Airbus Wingman
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Founded | December 18, 1970 |
| Headquarters | Toulouse , France |
| Products | Aircraft, including unmanned combat aircraft (Airbus Wingman) |
| Website | www |
The Airbus Wingman represents a loyal wingman unmanned combat aircraft being developed by the European aerospace company Airbus. Its design intends to support manned fighters such as the Eurofighter Typhoon or comparable combat jets, enhancing operational effectiveness as a force multiplier during missions.
Development
At the 2024 ILA Berlin Air Show, Airbus presented a full-scale "show car" model of the Wingman. This platform incorporates stealth technology along with sophisticated sensor suites, tailored for mission profiles including aerial reconnaissance, radar jamming, air-to-air combat, and air-to-surface combat. The aircraft’s operation relies on artificial intelligence systems, developed through a collaboration announced between Airbus and the European AI defense company Helsing.
Control of the Wingman is maintained by a manned lead fighter, with the Eurofighter Typhoon initially proposed for this role. However, Airbus suggests that other platforms such as the F-35 Lightning, Dassault Rafale, and Saab Gripen fighters, alongside support aircraft like the A400M Atlas transport and A330 MRTT tanker, could also be integrated as command units. Importantly, Airbus stresses that human pilots in these lead aircraft will hold ultimate authority over mission decisions and control throughout operations.
Potential operators
As of June 2024, Airbus is working closely with the German Air Force to implement the Wingman concept as a force multiplier ahead of the planned deployment of the Future Combat Air System in the 2040s. Additionally, discussions are reportedly underway with the Spanish Air and Space Force regarding possible procurement. Neither the Royal Air Force nor the Italian Air Force, both operators of Eurofighter jets, have formally expressed interest; notably, UK officials have refrained from commenting on any potential adoption of the Wingman.