The Air Current
• Julie Johnsson
The U.S. Navy has opened its long-anticipated search for a first tranche of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, requesting industry proposals for two fully functional uncrewed fighter prototypes to be delivered within three years. The effort marks the service’s initial step toward acquiring “loyal wingman” aircraft.
UAV Development & Drone Programs
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Turkish F-16 fighters deployed to Estonia were scrambled after drones crossed the country’s airspace, prompting air-threat warnings across much of Estonia. The incident highlights the operational role of allied fighter detachments in responding to emerging unmanned-aircraft incursions on NATO’s eastern flank.
The U.S. Navy has opened its long-anticipated search for a first tranche of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, requesting industry proposals for two fully functional uncrewed fighter prototypes to be delivered within three years. The effort marks the service’s initial step toward acquiring “loyal wingman” aircraft.
Shield AI and GE Aerospace are testing an F110 fighter engine equipped with an off-the-shelf Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle for Shield AI’s X-Bat collaborative combat aircraft. The propulsion project combines a proven engine with thrust-vectoring technology intended to support the aircraft’s development.
The UAE said its Air Force responded to or intercepted a drone approaching from Iran over its territorial waters, following an exchange of fire between the US and Iran. Iran’s Army and IRGC separately claimed drone and missile strikes on US bases in the UAE and Jordan.
High activity
Electric aircraft from Beta Technologies, autonomous cargo drones from Elroy Air and other aircraft are set to participate in trials in Louisiana. The initiative will provide an operational testing environment for electric aviation and autonomous cargo systems, bringing multiple emerging aircraft technologies into the same program.
Two South Korean loitering munitions crashed into the sea seconds after launch during the Navy’s first maritime test of the attack drones. Investigators attributed both failures to a defect in the shipboard launcher, raising questions about naval integration and test readiness.
Joint Task Force–Southern Border used the Army’s Multipurpose High Energy Laser system over two days this week to engage three hostile uncrewed aerial systems near the U.S.-Mexico border. The operation was conducted in support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under U.S. Northern Command.
High activity
The FAA is launching Phase 2 of its BEYOND program and inviting additional participants to help integrate drones into the national airspace system. The initiative will examine operations at airports, in controlled airspace and across borders as drone activity expands.
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