Lockheed, BAE Join Forces on Autonomous Air Systems

Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems have announced a new partnership to develop advanced uncrewed autonomous air systems, beginning with a modular electronic warfare and strike platform. The initiative aims to create aircraft that can be rapidly deployed and easily adapted for multiple missions, enhancing operational flexibility for military customers.

According to the companies, the first system under development will be designed to work alongside crewed aircraft, extending the reach and effectiveness of traditional platforms. By integrating autonomous capabilities into electronic warfare and strike missions, the partners hope to provide armed forces with faster responses to evolving threats and greater survivability in contested environments.

The collaboration emphasizes a modular approach, allowing systems to be reconfigured for different mission profiles, from electronic attack to reconnaissance and strike. This flexibility is intended to reduce costs and speed up deployment compared to traditional aircraft procurement cycles.

Industry analysts view the partnership as part of a broader trend in defense aviation toward autonomous “loyal wingman” platforms and networked operations. By pooling expertise—Lockheed’s in advanced combat systems and BAE’s in electronic warfare and mission integration—the two companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of next-generation air power.

The joint effort also aligns with U.S. and allied defense priorities to field more affordable, scalable solutions capable of countering rapidly emerging threats. If successful, the program could set a benchmark for future collaborations between major defense contractors on uncrewed systems.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com