Airbus Defence and Space and Helsing, Europe’s leading defence AI and software company, have signed a framework cooperation agreement at the ILA aerospace trade show in Berlin. This partnership focuses on developing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for a future Wingman system. This unmanned fighter-type aircraft will operate alongside current combat jets and receive commands from a pilot in a command aircraft, such as the Eurofighter.
Airbus is unveiling its Wingman concept for the first time at ILA. The Wingman is designed to meet the increasing operational demands of the German Air Force by enhancing the capabilities of manned combat aircraft with uncrewed platforms capable of carrying weapons and other effectors.
“The current conflicts on Europe’s borders underscore the importance of air superiority,” said Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space. “Manned-Unmanned Teaming will be crucial in achieving this: with an unmanned Wingman, fighter pilots can stay out of harm’s way. They issue commands and maintain decision-making authority, while the AI-supported Wingman takes on the dangerous tasks, including target reconnaissance, destruction, and electronic jamming and deception of enemy air defence systems.”
“Although a human will always be involved in the loop, the most dangerous parts of an unmanned mission will necessitate a high degree of autonomy, which requires AI,” said Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO of Helsing. “From processing sensor data and optimizing subsystems to closing the loop at the system level, software-defined capabilities and AI will be critical components of the Wingman system for the German Air Force.”
Under this AI agreement, Airbus will leverage its expertise in Manned-Unmanned Teaming, drawing on its experience as the prime contractor for major European defence programs such as the Eurofighter and the A400M military transporter. Helsing will provide its advanced AI software stack, which includes the integration of various sensors and algorithms for electronic warfare.
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