Experts expect ‘crawl, walk, run,’ process to make Skyborg a success
In light of debate surrounding how well-suited loyal wingman aircraft are in competing against IADS and hypersonic missiles, analysts are confident the systems will eventually prove themselves in contested environments.
Despite low cost, attritable UAV projects still yet to prove themselves in operational settings and questions remaining about their utility against high-end threats or overcoming deployment challenges, defence analysts are highly confident current developments will lead to a new era of loyal wingmen adding considerable capability to fighter jet fleets.
The USAF has already partnered with a host of industry partners on the Skyborg autonomous UAV programme that seeks a fighter-like platform equipped to iteratively field AI systems and set to take on future operations in A2/AD environments.
‘The concept will work, unquestionably,’ Mark Gunzinger, director of future concepts and
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements]()
GAO highlights the need for more commercial data and availability improvements
The US Government Accountability Office recently released two reports; one into the availability of selected equipment and another looking at how the government gets data and intellectual property rights through contracting.
-
![How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence]()
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
-
![Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing]()
Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing
The partnership with the US airframer will see Palantir’s AI software leveraged to help streamline data analytics across Boeing’s 12 factories on defence and classified programmes.
-
![DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities]()
DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities
DroneShield disclosed to Shephard its plans to increase its workforce and manufacturing capacities while strengthening partnerships with US suppliers.
-
![Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities]()
Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities
The technology organisation is expecting a significant rise in the number of staff working across robotics and digital solutions as it becomes more of a focal point.
