Schlagwort: Indo-Pacific

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.