The autonomous CCA wingmen of 2030 may look nothing like today’s assumptions
While services test teaming with Collaborative Combat Aircraft, industry faces hard questions.
Behind Hegseth’s European posture review, plus a big CCA program update
This week on The Break Out, we look at why Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is reviewing the American troop posture in Europe before we see what's new in the race to develop a drone wingman for military pilots.
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ASELSAN at SAHA 2026: Introducing next-generation multi-domain defense systems
Unveiled at SAHA 2026, ASELSAN’s latest portfolio reflects a layered and integrated defense architecture, bringing together electronic warfare, counter-UAV, airborne and naval capabilities within a unified operational framework.
How Honeywell Aerospace plans to tap into the global CCA market
Honeywell Aerospace executive Matthew Milas lays out Honeywell's view on CCAs as a key platform-agnostic supplier.
Air Force awards GE, Rolls-Royce for ‘medium thrust’ drone engines
The two engine makers will advance designs to power medium thrust class drones, an Air Force spokesperson told Breaking Defense.
The biggest industry, training hurdles for making drone wingman a reality
In our final video looking at manned-unmanned teaming, we consider likely changes ahead for defense manufacturers as the US increasingly partners with drones in combat.
DIU ups Hermeus contract for high-speed drone
A recent award from the Defense Innovation Unit raises a total contract ceiling to $219 million, and will further develop Hermeus’ Quarterhorse drone to release payloads at speeds “up to and including Mach 3,” CEO Zach Shore told Breaking Defense.
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Scaling AI for Defense Teams Without Increasing Data Risk
AI is expanding the mission data footprint across defense environments, increasing the need for scalable, layered data-at-rest (DAR) protection.
How the US, allies and adversaries see the future of drone wingmen
In the third video focused on manned-unmanned teaming, we trace how the concept has evolved inside the US defense industry and among other militaries across the globe.
General Atomics CCA drone returns to flight
Air Force Col. Timothy Helfrich said the response to the drone’s April 6 crash “validates our approach to accept acquisition/test risk instead of operational risk allowing us to accelerate the program towards fielding.”
Why humans are staying in the loop with loyal wingman drones
In the second part of a new video series focused on manned-unmanned teaming, the panelists talk about the benefits, and risks, of relying on unmanned systems.
Why loyal wingman drones may be the future of global airpower
Breaking Defense launches a new video series focused on manned-unmanned teaming and the future of military aviation.
How the Pentagon is shaping its next cyber strategy
Drawing on Breaking Defense's TechNet Cyber 2026 coverage, this eBook examines how the Pentagon is advancing AI, cybersecurity, and cyber strategy to strengthen the future force.
With unmanned systems in the forefront, Marine Corps evolves how it operates
Marines could begin operational testing with drone wingmen in 2029, and in the future could conduct their own intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in lieu of contractors, officials said during the Modern Day Marine conference in Washington.
General Atomics CCA drone wingman prototype crashes in California
The company said a mishap occurred “following takeoff” today.
As Fury production starts, Anduril pledging a different production approach at Arsenal-1
Anduril’s new Arsenal-1 facility in Ohio will be producing its Fury, Roadrunner and Barracuda products, along with a classified platform, by the end of 2026.
Air Force taps four companies to expand engine options for loyal wingman drones
Beehive Industries, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney and a teamup of GE Aerospace and Kratos will “mature engine designs” for future drone wingmen and other autonomous platforms, according to the Air Force.