USAF sets sights on Skyborg prototype by 2026
Four companies have been selected to design a new autonomous UAV prototype called Skyborg for the USAF by July 2026.
Boeing, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems and Northrop Grumman will also compete for future delivery orders worth up to $400 million.
A total of 18 bidders entered the competition for the Skyborg prototyping, experimentation and autonomy development contract.
The aim is to deliver ‘prototypes in support of operational experimentation and develop the first Skyborg air platform with modular hardware and software payloads that will incorporate the Skyborg autonomy core system and enable manned/unmanned teaming’, the DoD announced in a 23 July contract notice.
Skyborg must be affordable enough to withstand combat losses (‘attritable’ in DoD jargon) but also sufficiently capable to operate alongside manned aircraft in a wingman role (pictured). In the short term, the USAF wants to see Skyborg demonstrated with a manned fighter, but ultimately it envisages a family of AI-based UAVs that can adapt intelligently and fully autonomously to fast-changing battlefield conditions.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Air Warfare
-
Persistence pays off with ARRW hypersonic test
The ARRW air-launched hypersonic missile test programme has had its share of delays and mishaps, but Lockheed Martin and the USAF have finally conducted a successful boosted flight test.
-
Canberra promises to multiply MQ-28A Ghost Bats
The current Australian government is promising to accelerate development of the Loyal Wingman project for the RAAF.
-
US awards initial spares contract for F-35 Lot 16 aircraft
The latest F-35 contract modification for Lockheed Martin follows a deal covering ‘ancillary mission equipment requirements’ for Lot 15 and Lot 16 aircraft.
-
Japanese F-3 to be jointly developed with the UK
Japan looks set to turn to the UK, instead of the US, for partnership help in developing its future F-3 fighter.
-
Rafael lifts the veil on Aerospike
New air-to-surface missile for fixed-wing aircraft from Rafael is optimised for close air support, counterterrorism and anti-A2AD applications.