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USAF, General Atomics validate F‑22 control of MQ‑20 Avenger in milestone manned–unmanned 'loyal wingman' demo

The U.S. Air Force and General Atomics demonstrated manned–unmanned teaming when F‑22 pilots commanded an MQ‑20 Avenger during a live autonomy exercise at Edwards AFB. The trial validated MUM‑T control and loyal‑wingman concepts, advancing autonomous coordination for future combat operations and uncrewed strike roles.

Discovered 2026-02-22T22:01:00.563386-08:00 | 2026-02-22T22:01:00.563386-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The trial validated manned–unmanned teaming for a stealth fighter: F‑22 pilots commanding an MQ‑20 Avenger proves MUM‑T control concepts for "loyal wingman" operations (see earlier F‑22/MQ‑20 demo) (source:f68565ea-039d-43ad-9cad-b407275e4521).
  • Demonstrations plus GA’s work on arming MQ‑9B signal a shift in uncrewed roles: long‑range standoff munitions and autonomous teaming extend drones into naval and deep‑strike mission sets (source:f30503c1-db16-4019-b06a-657bc34e621f).
  • These live tests feed collaborative combat aircraft development and procurement momentum, complementing industry entrants and USAF CCA efforts such as Project Talon (source:56cf024b-f5d4-4941-ac30-c816360dc4ca).

Reported By

aeromorning.com ex2.com.au defensehere.com defencebuyer.com defenseadvancement.com uasvision.com
Sources Tracked
37
First Seen
2026-02-22T22:01:00.563386-08:00
Latest Update
2026-02-25T21:26:31.232604-08:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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