US Air Force to Acquire Robotic Wingmen for Next-Gen Fighters

The US Air Force has announced its plans to acquire 1,000 to 2,000 semi-autonomous drones that will serve as robotic wingmen to next-generation fighter planes. The drones, dubbed Skyborgs, will be able to perform various missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, electronic warfare, and strike, while being controlled by human pilots in the air or on the ground.

The Skyborg program aims to address issues such as aircraft and pilot shortages, as well as to prevent vendor lock by spreading the design information across multiple producers. The program also seeks to leverage the existing drone technology that is already available in the commercial and military markets, rather than developing new and costly platforms.

According to the Air Force, the Skyborg drones will be low-cost, expendable, and reusable, and will have a modular design that allows for easy upgrades and customization. The drones will also have artificial intelligence capabilities that enable them to learn from their experiences and adapt to different scenarios.

The Air Force expects to conduct the first flight tests of the Skyborg drones by 2023, and to achieve initial operational capability by 2026. The drones will be compatible with various fighter jets, such as the F-35, F-22, F-15EX, and F/A-18E/F.

The Skyborg program is part of the Air Force’s broader vision of developing a loyal wingman concept, where manned and unmanned aircraft work together in a networked and collaborative way. The concept is expected to enhance the survivability, effectiveness, and efficiency of the Air Force’s combat operations in the future.