ATS achieves flight milestone and new contract
The Airpower Teaming System (ATS) muiltirole large UAV has taken major steps forward with a first flight on 27 February, a commitment by Australia to double the number of development aircraft and manufacturer Boeing offering it for the USAF Skyborg programme.
Three platforms were ordered by the RAAF in its Loyal Wingman programme. The maiden flight (pictured), at the RAAF Woomera Range Complex in South Australia, took place almost exactly two years after ATS was unveiled at the 2019 Australian Airshow.
The remaining two ATS platforms are expected to be completed in 2021 and the Australian government announced on the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
BAE Systems' UK Combat Air Demonstrator closes in on final assembly
The first render for the demonstrator was unveiled in July 2025, with BAE Systems now aiming for the start of final assembly by the end of 2026 to prepare the aircraft for first flight by 2027.
-
Rapid APKWS integration sparks “strong” demand from Typhoon customers
The recent operational use and success of the APKWS laser-guidance kit on the UK RAF's Typhoons has driven demand from other Eurofighter customers for integration of the system on their own combat aircraft fleet, according to BAE Systems.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Wartime iteration gives Ukraine an edge as future UAV exporter
As industrial-scale drone production proves its battlefield worth in Ukraine, what happens to that production capacity and knowhow once the guns fall silent – and is Ukraine about to become one of the world’s most credible UAV export partners?