Airbus Unveils Stealthy Wingman Drone Concept to Transform Aerial Combat Dynamics

 

European aerospace giant Airbus has introduced its innovative fighter-like stealth Wingman drone concept, set to be showcased at the International Aerospace Exhibition ILA in Berlin.

Airbus announced on June 3 that it will reveal the Wingman concept at ILA Berlin on June 5. This stealth drone is designed to revolutionize aerial combat by acting as an unmanned counterpart to manned fighter jets like the Eurofighter, providing support and protection.

The Wingman concept resembles a traditional wingman in military aviation but operates as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Controlled by pilots in manned aircraft, the Wingman is engineered for high-risk missions, enhancing the capabilities of manned jets while reducing risks to human pilots. The design features low observability, a range of armaments, advanced sensors, connectivity, and teaming solutions.

Airbus describes the 1:1 model of the Wingman, to be displayed at ILA from June 5 to 9, as similar to a "show car" used in the automotive industry for design exercises. This model serves as a foundation to shape the design requirements for future generations of the Wingman.

The Wingman is designed with sharply angled wings, leading-edge extensions, a distinctive chine line along the fuselage, and canards to improve maneuverability. Airbus envisions it performing tasks such as engaging targets with precision-guided munitions, jamming, and reconnaissance. It may also include ventral payload bays for various missions.

Control of missions will remain with pilots in manned aircraft, who will make final decisions while benefiting from the protection and reduced risk offered by delegating tasks to the UAV.

Michael Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the Wingman as a viable solution for the German Air Force, which needs unmanned aircraft to support manned fighter missions before the Future Combat Air System becomes operational in 2040. Airbus aims to develop a cost-effective and high-performing solution to enhance the German fighter fleet by the 2030s.

Aviation journalist Gareth Jennings noted that the Wingman concept builds on Airbus's Low Observable UAV Testbed (LOUT) program, initiated in 2019 to explore stealth design principles and advanced technologies.

The unveiling of the Wingman concept marks a significant step in Airbus's efforts to deploy UAVs alongside manned fighter jets. German officials have already proposed an unmanned Electronic Combat Wingman (ECW) to work with the crewed Typhoon EK aircraft, replacing the aging Tornado ECR jets used for electronic warfare.

Meanwhile, Germany and France are collaborating on the Future Combat Air System, with Airbus playing a key role in developing a 6th-generation fighter for operational deployment in 2040, potentially integrating a loyal wingman UAV.

France Bars Israeli Companies from Eurosatory Defense Show Over Gaza Conflict

 France has prohibited Israeli companies from participating in Eurosatory, Europe’s largest defense exhibition, due to Israel's military actions in Gaza. The French Armed Forces Ministry stated that "conditions are no longer suited" for Israeli companies to attend, aligning with French President Emmanuel Macron's calls for Israel to cease operations in Rafah.

President Macron has expressed outrage over Israeli strikes in Rafah, which have resulted in numerous casualties. This decision reflects ongoing debates in France regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the country's defense exports to Israel. Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu has faced multiple inquiries from lawmakers about these exports.

Over 70 Israeli companies, including major firms like Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and Rafael Advance Defense Systems, were set to participate in the show starting June 17. Elbit had planned to showcase its PULS multiple-rocket launcher and Sigma next-generation howitzer.

In compliance with the French government's decision, there will be no representation from the Israeli defense industry at Eurosatory 2024, as confirmed by the event organizer Coges Events.

Israel, the world's ninth-largest arms exporter, saw its defense exports rise to a record $12.5 billion in 2022, with $3.67 billion in sales to Europe. Unmanned aerial vehicles and related systems comprised a significant portion of these exports, followed by missiles, rockets, and air-defense systems.

EU Considers Comprehensive Air Defense Shield Backed by Greece and Poland

 The European Union is evaluating the creation of its own air defense shield following support for a Greek-Polish initiative. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk proposed the idea to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who swiftly endorsed it.

EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, also expressed support but noted numerous questions remain, such as the placement, capacity, and funding of the air defenses.

The initiative aims to create a comprehensive system to protect EU airspace, motivated by the threat of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This joint project would also demonstrate EU unity in defense.

The Greek-Polish proposal could challenge Germany's European Sky Shield Initiative, which involves 21 countries and integrates NATO's air defense architecture with a mix of European and non-European systems like the Israeli-American Arrow 3 missile and the U.S. Patriot system. Germany’s reaction to the new proposal has been neutral, provided it doesn't interfere with their efforts.

While the idea was discussed at the recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting, no formal action was taken. German and EU officials indicated that formalizing such proposals wasn’t within the council's immediate remit.

Australian E-7A Wedgetail Ends Mission Supporting Ukraine After Successful Surveillance Deployment

 The Royal Australian Air Force's E-7A Wedgetail aircraft, part of Operation Kudu aiding Ukrainian forces, is set to return home after a six-month mission in Europe. The Wedgetail played a pivotal role in Ukraine, contributing to the downing of Russian Su-34s, according to experts.

Australia's Defense Ministry announced the E-7A's return, highlighting its mission in providing crucial surveillance over Eastern Europe. The aircraft logged over 250 flight hours, aiding in both military and humanitarian efforts.

Lieutenant General Greg Bilton praised the ADF personnel's support, emphasizing Australia's commitment to upholding global order. Air Marshal Robert Chipman lauded the Wedgetail's capabilities and the dedication of Australian personnel.

While the E-7A's return marks the end of this chapter, Australia's military assistance to Ukraine will continue. Operation Kudu's expanded training element will provide vital support throughout 2024.

Speculation surrounds the E-7A's role in the downing of Russian Su-34s, attributed to its superior capabilities against Russian defenses. Despite Australia's clarification that it did not facilitate attacks, the Wedgetail played a crucial role in safeguarding international aid flow to Ukraine.

Operating outside Russian airspace, the E-7A provided early warnings of potential threats, filling a capability gap NATO couldn't address. With its mission concluding, there will be no gap in Western monitoring capabilities.