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  • Future Combat Teams: Fighter Jets and AI-Driven Drones in Tandem

    Unmanned aerial systems are evolving from support tools into trusted teammates. The era of manned–unmanned teaming could reshape the future of air combat.

    DefenceNeoBase Analysis |

    For decades, the image of air superiority has been linked to high-performance fighter jets flown by highly trained pilots.
    Yet a profound transformation is underway. The concept of manned–unmanned teaming, where advanced drones
    operate side by side with traditional fighter aircraft, is rapidly moving from theory to practice. At recent defence
    exhibitions in Paris, London, and Sydney, the spotlight was firmly on so-called “loyal wingman” drones—autonomous or semi-autonomous
    systems designed to fly in formation with jets, conduct dangerous missions, and enhance the effectiveness of human pilots.

    The implications of this development are vast. If implemented successfully, mixed formations of manned fighters and AI-enabled drones
    could change the rules of engagement, lower the risks to human pilots, and redefine how nations project power in contested airspaces.

    The Loyal Wingman Concept

    The term “loyal wingman” refers to unmanned aircraft that are controlled by, or coordinated with, a manned fighter jet.
    Unlike traditional drones, which are often remotely piloted from ground stations, loyal wingmen are designed to function
    as extensions of the pilot’s aircraft. They can perform reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or even strike missions,
    depending on their configuration.

    The U.S. Air Force, Australia’s defence industry, and European consortia are all pursuing versions of this model. Boeing’s
    Ghost Bat project in Australia has already completed test flights alongside reconnaissance aircraft, while the
    U.S. Air Force is integrating the concept into its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. Europe, too, is embedding
    manned–unmanned teaming into the design of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), developed by France, Germany, and Spain.

    Advantages of Manned–Unmanned Teams

    One of the most obvious advantages is risk reduction. Drones can be sent into high-threat environments—such as areas covered
    by advanced surface-to-air missile systems—without exposing a human pilot to danger. If drones are lost, they can be replaced
    more easily than highly trained aviators and multi-million-dollar jets.

    Another benefit is force multiplication. A single fighter jet might control two, three, or even four loyal wingman drones,
    effectively turning one aircraft into a small squadron. These drones could carry sensors, jamming equipment, or additional weapons,
    dramatically increasing the lethality and situational awareness of the formation.

    Cost is also a factor. While advanced fighters like the F-35 or Eurofighter remain expensive and complex, drones can be designed
    with modular systems at a fraction of the cost. This enables militaries to expand combat capabilities without proportionally
    increasing budgets.

    Challenges and Risks

    Despite the excitement, integrating AI drones into air combat is not without challenges. One major issue is trust:
    pilots and commanders must be confident that autonomous systems will behave predictably and ethically, even under combat stress.
    Developing robust communication links that cannot be jammed or hacked is equally critical.

    Another concern is rules of engagement. How much decision-making should be delegated to an AI? Should a drone be able
    to release weapons without direct human approval? These questions are under intense debate among policymakers, ethicists, and
    military planners.

    There is also the risk of an arms race. As NATO members, the United States, China, and Russia invest in loyal wingman
    concepts, the proliferation of AI-enabled drones could lower the threshold for conflict and make escalation harder to control.

    Global Developments

    In Asia-Pacific, Australia is positioning itself at the forefront with its Boeing-led program, seeking not only to strengthen
    national defence but also to support allied operations. Japan and South Korea are also exploring indigenous designs, reflecting
    regional concerns over Chinese and North Korean capabilities.

    In Europe, the FCAS program is envisioned as a cornerstone of future air power, with drones acting as “remote carriers” for
    sensors and weapons. The UK, meanwhile, is pursuing the Tempest program, also embedding manned–unmanned integration into its
    core design.

    China has already displayed prototypes of advanced combat drones in military parades, suggesting that it is not far behind in
    operationalizing this concept. Russia, too, has experimented with pairing drones with its Su-57 fighter aircraft, although
    sanctions and industrial constraints may slow its progress.

    The Future of Air Combat

    Looking ahead, air forces may operate in hybrid swarms, where manned fighters, drones, and ground-based systems
    all share real-time data through secure networks. Artificial intelligence will play a central role in fusing information,
    assigning tasks, and optimizing tactics on the fly.

    For pilots, this future could mean shifting from direct control of every engagement to a more supervisory role, managing
    an ecosystem of autonomous assets. Training, doctrine, and leadership will all need to adapt to this new paradigm.

    What is certain is that the concept of the solitary fighter jet dominating the skies is fading. The future of air combat
    will be defined by teamwork—between humans and machines, working together in ways that maximize strengths and mitigate weaknesses.

    Conclusion

    The integration of fighter jets and AI-enabled drones is not a distant vision; it is already unfolding in test ranges and
    defence programs around the world. While challenges remain, the benefits in terms of flexibility, survivability, and
    effectiveness are too significant to ignore.

    As nations continue to experiment and refine manned–unmanned teaming, the coming decade could witness a revolution in
    aerial warfare. For militaries, the task is to ensure that this revolution enhances deterrence and stability rather than
    triggering instability. For observers, one conclusion is already clear: the skies of tomorrow will be crowded not only
    with pilots but also with their loyal AI wingmen.

    Key Takeaways

    • Manned–unmanned teaming is moving from concept to practice, with fighter jets and AI-enabled drones operating together.
    • Loyal wingman drones can extend pilot capabilities, reduce risks, and act as force multipliers in contested airspace.
    • Programs in the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific are accelerating, with Boeing’s Ghost Bat and Europe’s FCAS leading the way.
    • Challenges remain, including secure communications, rules of engagement, and ethical concerns about AI autonomy.
    • The future of air combat will emphasize hybrid formations, where humans and machines collaborate seamlessly.

    Tags: Fighter Jets, AI Drones, Loyal Wingman, Air Combat, Future Warfare, NATO, Indo-Pacific

  • China Showcases Hypersonic Weapons and Drone Technology at Grand Military Parade

    Beijing’s 2025 parade highlights new hypersonic systems and advanced drones, signaling China’s ambition to reshape military balances in Asia and beyond.

    DefenceNeoBase Analysis |

    On September 3, 2025, China staged one of its largest military parades in recent years in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square.
    The event, which commemorated the end of World War II in Asia, was less about history and more about projecting
    military power. For the first time, Beijing publicly unveiled the CJ-1000 hypersonic cruise missile
    alongside a fleet of new drones designed for both surveillance and strike missions. The presence of international
    guests, including Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, amplified the geopolitical
    significance of the demonstration.

    Hypersonic Capabilities on Display

    The highlight of the parade was undoubtedly the CJ-1000, a hypersonic cruise missile believed to be capable of reaching
    speeds exceeding Mach 8. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, hypersonic cruise missiles travel within the atmosphere
    at extreme speeds and maintain maneuverability, making them extremely difficult to intercept. Military analysts suggest
    that such systems could overwhelm even the most advanced missile defense shields currently deployed by the United States
    and its allies.

    The unveiling of the CJ-1000 suggests that China has moved beyond the research and testing phase into operational readiness.
    The weapon is expected to extend China’s strike capability deep into the Pacific, threatening key U.S. bases in Guam and Japan
    while complicating naval operations across the region. By showcasing the missile publicly, Beijing signaled both confidence
    in its technological maturity and its willingness to use spectacle as a tool of deterrence.

    Drone Technology as a Force Multiplier

    In addition to hypersonics, the parade featured a diverse array of drone platforms. Among them were long-endurance
    reconnaissance drones, swarming drones capable of overwhelming air defenses, and combat drones designed to operate
    alongside manned aircraft. This emphasis reflects China’s belief that unmanned systems will dominate future conflicts,
    serving as cost-effective yet highly adaptable force multipliers.

    Analysts noted that the drone formations showcased in Beijing resembled similar systems deployed by the United States
    and its NATO allies. However, China’s willingness to mass-produce and integrate drones across multiple branches of its
    armed forces could give it an operational edge, especially in contested environments like the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

    Geopolitical Signaling to Allies and Adversaries

    The presence of Putin and Kim Jong Un underscored China’s growing alignment with Russia and North Korea at a time of deepening
    global polarization. Their attendance sent a clear message to Washington, Tokyo, and Brussels: a bloc of authoritarian powers
    is consolidating its military and political ties. In this context, the parade was as much about diplomacy as it was about hardware.

    By highlighting advanced weapons in front of these leaders, Beijing projected its role as both a technological innovator and a
    strategic partner. The message was clear: China has the capacity not only to defend its sovereignty but also to alter regional
    and global balances of power.

    Strategic Implications for the Indo-Pacific

    The introduction of hypersonic missiles and drones directly affects U.S. and allied defense planning. For Washington, the CJ-1000
    poses a new challenge to its forward-deployed forces, forcing the Pentagon to rethink missile defense and deterrence strategies.
    Japan and Australia, both increasingly tied to U.S. defense commitments, are likely to accelerate their own investments in counter-hypersonic
    systems and drone warfare technologies.

    NATO observers also took note. While Europe is geographically distant from the Pacific theater, the proliferation of hypersonic weapons
    and unmanned systems has global consequences. As China exports drones to partners in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, Western
    security planners must grapple with a world where advanced systems are no longer the preserve of a handful of powers.

    Domestic Audience and National Pride

    Beyond its global impact, the parade served an important domestic purpose. Beijing’s leadership sought to reassure its citizens
    that China is capable of defending its sovereignty and national interests against external pressures. The display of hypersonic missiles
    and drones fit neatly into the narrative of “national rejuvenation,” portraying China as a world leader in technology and military innovation.

    State media coverage emphasized unity, discipline, and progress, reinforcing the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party’s security
    policies at a time of economic slowdown and international criticism.

    The Road Ahead

    The 2025 parade confirmed what many analysts have long suspected: China’s military modernization has entered a new phase. By publicly
    showcasing hypersonic missiles and advanced drones, Beijing not only demonstrated technological prowess but also challenged existing
    security architectures in Asia and beyond.

    For NATO, the United States, and regional allies, the challenge is clear. They must adapt quickly, develop countermeasures, and
    strengthen alliances if they are to deter and defend against an increasingly sophisticated Chinese military. As the world digests
    the images from Tiananmen Square, one conclusion is unavoidable: the era of uncontested Western technological dominance in military
    affairs is over.

    Tags: China, Hypersonic Weapons, Drone Warfare, Military Parade, Asia-Pacific, Defence Technology

  • NATO Adopts Ambitious 5% Defence Spending Target. Spain Pushes Back.

    A strategic leap from the long-standing 2% guideline raises questions of affordability, cohesion, and capability across the Alliance.

    DefenceNeoBase Analysis |

    When NATO leaders convened in mid-2025, few anticipated that the alliance would set one of its most ambitious defence spending benchmarks in history.
    The decision to raise the collective target from the long-standing 2% of GDP to an unprecedented 5% by 2035 marks a watershed moment for the Western security bloc.
    Yet, within hours of the announcement, Spain openly rejected the target, signaling that not all members are ready or willing to follow this new trajectory.

    From 2% to 5%: A Historic Leap

    For decades, NATO’s 2% guideline on defence spending served as the baseline measure of allied commitment. While some states—such as the United States,
    the United Kingdom, Poland, and the Baltic countries—consistently met or exceeded the target, many lagged behind. Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine
    in 2022 changed the calculus dramatically.

    By 2024, most allies had already crossed the 2% threshold. Discussions in 2025 reflected a consensus that NATO required far more resources to deter aggression
    on its eastern flank, to sustain military aid to Ukraine, and to keep pace with technological advances in warfare—from hypersonic weapons to cyber capabilities.

    The 5% benchmark is not merely symbolic. It reflects a recognition that modern defence requires sustained investment across multiple domains:
    land, air, sea, cyber, and space. It also signals NATO’s intention to project long-term credibility both to adversaries and to partners in the Indo-Pacific,
    where cooperation with Japan, South Korea, and Australia is expanding.

    Spain’s Defiance

    Spain’s immediate response stood out in contrast to the majority of NATO capitals. Madrid made clear that it would not adhere to the 5% rule,
    arguing that the target is economically unsustainable and politically unjustifiable to Spanish citizens.

    Spain currently spends just above 1.3% of GDP on defence—one of the lowest levels within NATO. Even doubling or tripling this figure would pose
    significant fiscal challenges for a country still recovering from economic pressures linked to the pandemic, inflation, and structural unemployment.
    To Madrid, the jump to 5% represents an unrealistic burden that risks undermining domestic stability.

    Spanish officials also stress that military readiness should not be measured solely by spending ratios. They highlight Spain’s contributions in other areas:
    hosting U.S. naval assets at Rota, providing air policing in the Baltics, and engaging in NATO missions in the Mediterranean and Africa. From Madrid’s perspective,
    solidarity should not be reduced to a GDP percentage.

    Diverging Perspectives Within the Alliance

    While Spain resists, several allies have embraced the 5% goal as both necessary and achievable. Poland, for instance, has already increased its defence budget
    to nearly 4.7% of GDP, driven by the perceived existential threat from Russia. The Baltic states and Finland, now a full NATO member, echo similar concerns and are
    investing heavily in air defence, artillery, and troop readiness.

    Germany, after years of criticism for under-spending, has accelerated procurement with new legislation designed to bypass bureaucratic hurdles.
    The United States, still the cornerstone of NATO, spends well above 3.5% of GDP and has encouraged Europe to take on a larger share of the collective burden.

    • Eastern flank priorities: Air defence, long-range fires, and readiness.
    • Industrial base revival: Ammunition output, shipyards, and aerospace supply chains.
    • Emerging domains: Cyber resilience, space-based ISR, and counter-UAS.

    Strategic Implications

    The adoption of the 5% target is more than a budgetary debate—it is a strategic signal. For Moscow, it demonstrates that NATO is not only united
    but also prepared to invest heavily in long-term deterrence. For Beijing, it indicates that the Euro-Atlantic alliance is serious about sustaining
    global relevance, even as China expands its military reach.

    At the same time, the Spain episode reveals the risks of overreach. If targets are perceived as unattainable, they may foster division rather than cohesion.
    NATO’s strength has always relied on consensus and collective resolve. Setting a bar that some members openly refuse to accept may undermine unity.

    The Road Ahead

    The coming decade will test whether NATO can translate the 5% pledge into tangible capability gains without fracturing political cohesion.
    Spain may not be the only member to resist, and debates are likely to intensify in southern Europe, where economic constraints weigh heavily.

    For now, the decision highlights both NATO’s determination and its internal strains. On the one hand, the alliance is adapting to a harsher strategic
    environment with bold measures. On the other, it must find ways to reconcile ambition with realism, ensuring that defence commitments strengthen
    rather than splinter the alliance.

    Tags: NATO, Defence Spending, Spain, Alliance Cohesion, Deterrence, Europe, Policy