collaborative combat aircraft

Europe’s airpower future is taking shape, but not as originally planned

Germany's next move, the fate of GCAP, and the rise of CCAs reshape Europe's combat aircraft strategy.

How General Atomics views Europe’s unmanned future

In this fireside chat, Dave Alexander of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems talks through his company's strategy for the European market.

Germany changes course on plans to buy MQ-28 drone wingman: Boeing official

Germany has set a target of 2029 to field a CCA, which would make it the first European country to reach such a milestone, but that timeline now looks to be in doubt.

Northrop logs first flight for self-funded drone wingman

The YFQ-48A performed fully autonomous “taxi, takeoff, in-flight maneuvers and landing” over the Mojave Desert in California, according to Northrop Grumman.

What Europe’s military air fleets will look like in 30 years

Breaking Defense's roundtable looks into a crystal ball to discuss the more distant future for the continent's air forces.

The future of European airpower might be unmanned

With one sixth-gen fighter program in Europe dead, could the future for European airpower be drones?

After hitting pilot training goal, resolving shortage will take years, Air Force official says

“It’s going to take 15 or 20 years to get those types of people,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Clark Quinn.

Anduril officials say company can’t start on CCA production contract without FY27 budget

“We will not have a cold start to start production in [20]27. We will have assets rolling through. That said, even a company like ours can only do so much without procurement dollars,” said Erin Simpson, Anduril's vice president for strategy execution.

Space Force has ‘space control weapons’ on orbit, Air Force secretary reveals

Troy Meink didn't elaborate on what "weapons" the US deployed, but revealed new info on other space and unmanned Air Force programs.

Lockheed boosts bet on Skunk Works’ Vectis stealth drone

Lockheed now plans to build five Vectis prototypes, with the first on track to fly in 2027.

General Atomics unveils ‘Wildfire’ drone to replace Reaper

Pitched for the Massed Modular Aircraft program run by the Air Force and Defense Innovation Unit, General Atomics says its new drone design can exceed requirements set by the Pentagon to succeed the MQ-9A Reaper.

What to know about Europe’s next-gen fighter programs

FCAS? GCAP? Upgraded Eurofighter Typhoons? The Breaking Defense roundtable walks you through the options on the table.