Defense & Military
US Soldier commands Autonomous Black Hawk with Sikorsky MATRIX tech
A U.S. Army soldier operated an autonomous Black Hawk helicopter via tablet using Sikorsky’s MATRIX system at Northern Strike 25-2.
A New Chapter in Military Aviation: When Soldiers Fly Helicopters with Tablets
In a significant leap forward for military technology, a recent demonstration has blurred the lines between operator and aviator. For the first time, a U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant, who is not a trained pilot, successfully planned and executed a series of complex missions using an autonomous Black Hawk helicopter. This event, which took place during the Northern Strike 25-2 exercise at Camp Grayling, Michigan, showcased the power and accessibility of Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ technology, an advanced flight autonomy system. The exercise represents a pivotal moment, suggesting a future where complex aerial operations can be managed by soldiers on the ground with minimal training, potentially revolutionizing logistics, resupply, and rescue missions.
The demonstration was not merely a proof of concept; it was a rigorous test in a realistic operational environment. Conducted as a partnership between Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency, the exercise aimed to prove the viability of Optionally Piloted Vehicles (OPV) in modern warfare. The core technology, MATRIX, is a key component of DARPA’s Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program. This initiative seeks to integrate sophisticated Automation into existing aircraft, reducing the cognitive load on pilots and expanding mission capabilities, especially in high-risk scenarios where sending a crewed aircraft is unacceptably dangerous.
The implications of this successful demonstration are far-reaching. By placing advanced autonomous capabilities into the hands of a soldier with less than an hour of training, the military is exploring a fundamental shift in operational strategy. This technology could enhance the resilience and flexibility of forces in contested environments, allowing commanders to deploy assets more effectively without endangering pilots. The ability for a ground-based soldier to command an aircraft like a large, highly capable drone opens up new tactical possibilities and addresses long-standing challenges in military logistics and personnel recovery.
The Northern Strike Demonstration: Pushing the Boundaries of Autonomy
The Northern Strike 25-2 exercise served as the stage for several groundbreaking achievements in autonomous flight. The central figure, a U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, became the first soldier to take full command of the OPV Black Hawk, directing its every move through an intuitive handheld tablet. This marked a critical departure from previous tests, which were typically overseen by highly trained test pilots or engineers. The soldier’s ability to quickly grasp the system and execute missions underscores the user-centric design of the MATRIX interface, which abstracts the complexities of flight into simple, actionable commands.
From Tablet to Takeoff: A Soldier in Command
The missions conducted were not simple flight patterns. In one scenario, the soldier, positioned on a U.S. Coast Guard boat in Lake Huron, planned and launched a resupply mission to a location 70 nautical miles away. From this remote position, he commanded the autonomous Black Hawk to perform precision parachute drops at varying altitudes over the lake. This exercise demonstrated the system’s capacity for long-range, remotely operated logistics, a critical capability for dispersed military forces.
The Training required for the soldier to achieve this was remarkably brief. In under an hour, he was equipped with the skills needed to operate the sophisticated aircraft. This rapid learning curve is a testament to the MATRIX system’s design philosophy, which aims to make advanced aviation accessible to operators, not just pilots. The system handles the intricate details of flight control, allowing the soldier to focus on the mission objectives, what to move, where to move it, and when.
Throughout the exercises, the OPV Black Hawk performed a variety of cargo delivery methods, including internal transport, external sling loads, and the aforementioned parachute drops. For safety and regulatory compliance within U.S. airspace, a safety pilot was present in the cockpit during all flights, but the aircraft’s actions were dictated by the soldier on the ground. This setup allowed for a robust and safe evaluation of the technology’s readiness for real-world application.
“The level of autonomy that the team has with the MATRIX technology and how that’s put into the [OPV] aircraft, it really takes an operator, not a pilot.” – Ramsey Bentley, Sikorsky Advanced Programs Business Development Director
A Series of Firsts in Autonomous Flight
The Northern Strike demonstration was notable for a series of “firsts” that pushed the envelope of autonomous aviation. One of the most impressive feats was the first-ever autonomous hookup of an external sling load while the aircraft was airborne. The OPV Black Hawk demonstrated exceptional stability, holding a precise hover that allowed soldiers on the ground to quickly attach a 2,900-pound water tank, colloquially known as a “water buffalo.” This capability is crucial, as sling load operations are notoriously demanding for human pilots, requiring immense concentration and skill to maintain a stable hover, especially in challenging wind conditions.
Another significant first was the execution of an autonomous medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) mission commanded by the soldier from within the aircraft. In this simulation, the OPV Black Hawk was used for a personnel recovery, culminating in a tail-to-tail patient transfer to a traditionally piloted Black Hawk at an unprepared landing site. This scenario highlights the potential for autonomous systems to perform high-stakes rescue missions in dangerous environments, getting casualties to care faster and with less risk to recovery crews.
The aircraft also demonstrated its utility in supporting ground artillery units by transporting HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) launch tubes via six separate autonomous hovering hookups. Each of these achievements, taken together, paints a clear picture of a mature and versatile technology. The feedback gathered from these real-world exercises is invaluable, allowing engineers to refine the MATRIX Software in a continuous improvement cycle, as noted by Mike Baran, Chief Engineer at Sikorsky Innovations.
The Future of Military Operations and Beyond
The successful integration of the MATRIX technology into the Black Hawk platform at Northern Strike is more than just a technical achievement; it signals a strategic evolution in military logistics and aviation. The concept of an “optionally piloted” vehicle provides commanders with unprecedented flexibility. A single airframe can perform missions with a full crew, with a reduced crew aided by an AI co-pilot, or completely unmanned, depending on the nature of the mission and the level of risk involved. This adaptability is essential for maintaining operational superiority in complex and contested environments.
Looking ahead, Sikorsky is already proposing a fully uncrewed version of the Black Hawk, dubbed the “U-Hawk.” This initiative could provide a cost-effective pathway to fielding a fleet of autonomous Cargo-Aircraft by converting older UH-60L models that the U.S. Army is phasing out of service. Furthermore, the applications for this technology are not confined to the military. Sikorsky has already demonstrated the OPV Black Hawk’s potential for civilian use, including autonomous wildfire suppression. The U.S. Marine Corps is also slated to test the MATRIX system, evaluating its use for resupply missions from sea to shore, further expanding its operational portfolio.
“With lives on the line, Sikorsky’s MATRIX flight autonomy system can transform how military operators perform their missions. In contested logistics situations, a Black Hawk operating as a large drone offers commanders greater resilience and flexibility to get resources to the point of need.” – Rich Benton, Vice President and General Manager of Sikorsky
Conclusion: A New Paradigm for Air Power
The demonstration at Northern Strike 25-2 represents a confirmed step toward a future where the power of military aviation is not limited to the select few trained as pilots. By empowering a soldier to command a Black Hawk with a tablet, the program has validated a new operational paradigm. This technology promises to make military operations safer, more efficient, and more flexible, allowing forces to project power and deliver supplies in environments that were previously inaccessible or too dangerous for crewed aircraft. The ability to reduce human workload and risk while expanding mission capabilities is a transformative combination.
As the MATRIX technology continues to mature, we can expect to see its integration across a wider range of aircraft and missions, both military and civilian. The spiral development model, which incorporates direct user feedback from events like Northern Strike, ensures that the system will evolve to meet the practical needs of its operators. The journey from a pilot-operated helicopter to a soldier-commanded autonomous asset is well underway, heralding a new era of intelligent, adaptable, and accessible air power.
FAQ
Question: What is the MATRIX™ Technology?
Answer: MATRIX™ is a flight autonomy system developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. It is designed to be integrated into aircraft to allow for various levels of autonomous flight, from serving as a virtual co-pilot to enabling fully unmanned operations. It is a core part of DARPA’s ALIAS program.
Question: Was the Black Hawk completely empty during the autonomous flights?
Answer: No. For Safety and regulatory reasons, a safety pilot was on board the Optionally Piloted Black Hawk (OPV) during all flights conducted in the exercise. However, the mission planning and execution were fully controlled by the soldier using a tablet.
Question: What makes this demonstration significant?
Answer: This was the first time a soldier who was not a trained aviator independently planned, commanded, and executed missions with the autonomous Black Hawk. With less than an hour of training, the soldier performed complex tasks like long-range resupply, autonomous sling load hookups, and a simulated MEDEVAC, proving the system’s accessibility and operational readiness.
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
Bombardier and BAE Systems Sign MOU for Combat Air Programs
Bombardier and BAE Systems signed an MOU on Oct 28, 2026, to explore next-generation combat air collaboration.
Bombardier and BAE Systems have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore joint development of industrial and technology capabilities for next-generation combat air programs.
Announced in a press release on October 28, 2026, the bilateral agreement positions the Canadian aerospace manufacturer to integrate its engineering and manufacturing footprint into allied military aviation requirements. The partnership aligns with Canada’s broader defense strategy, coming three months after the country formally engaged with international sixth-generation fighter development efforts.
Strategic framework and capability exploration
The MOU establishes an exploratory framework to identify practical areas of cooperation aligned with future capability requirements and government priorities. Rather than a commitment to a specific aircraft program, the agreement serves to connect Bombardier’s specialized supplier ecosystems with BAE Systems’ combat air expertise.
Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President of Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense, stated that the company is positioned to develop the talent required for programs carrying a generational impact on the defense industry.
“This MOU with BAE Systems provides a clear framework to explore how these capabilities can support next-generation defence programs, while strengthening industrial capacity, high-value jobs and long-term aerospace leadership,” McCullough said.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems Air, noted the opportunity to support the strategic aims of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy through the collaboration.
“BAE Systems brings decades of combat air experience spanning aircraft design, systems integration, manufacturing and support. This agreement marks an important step in our ambition to strengthen international partnerships that support the future of combat air,” Barnes said.
Canada’s evolving role in next-generation air combat
The partnership materializes as Canada deepens its involvement in international air combat initiatives. On July 21, 2026, the Department of National Defence announced that Canada had joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as its first observer nation.
GCAP is a multinational initiative led by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. Observer status allows the Canadian government to assess potential future participation and gain insight into the program’s governance and industrial framework. Crucially, the designation enables the identification of opportunities for domestic companies without requiring an immediate financial commitment from the state.
The bilateral agreement positions Bombardier to capture future procurement cycles as Canada evaluates its long-term role in next-generation air combat initiatives.
Industrial positioning and defense adaptation
Bombardier primarily designs, builds, and maintains the Global and Challenger families of business jets. The company reports a global operating fleet of over 5,300 aircraft, supported by 10 service facilities across six countries.
The manufacturer’s specialized division, Bombardier Defense, focuses on adapting these civilian airframes for military and government missions. The unit emphasizes reliability, performance, and adaptability for specialized operations. By partnering with BAE Systems, Bombardier seeks to expand its defense footprint beyond modified business jets and into the broader combat air supply chain.
BAE Systems operates as one of the primary industrial partners in GCAP, working alongside Italy’s Leonardo and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The British aerospace and defense company brings extensive experience in systems integration and military aircraft manufacturing to the exploratory partnership with Bombardier.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a calculated positioning move by Bombardier to secure high-value engineering work within the lucrative sixth-generation fighter ecosystem. While Bombardier is not a traditional combat aircraft prime contractor, modern air combat programs rely heavily on distributed systems, advanced materials, and specialized sensor integration. By partnering with a Tier 1 prime like BAE Systems, Bombardier can leverage its existing aerospace engineering workforce and supply chain to capture defense revenue streams without the prohibitive cost of developing clean-sheet military airframes.
This industrial alignment also provides the Canadian government with tangible domestic economic benefits as it evaluates deeper participation in GCAP. Securing a role for a major domestic aerospace employer like Bombardier makes the political case for future Canadian financial investment in GCAP significantly stronger.
Photo Credit: BAE Systems
Defense & Military
AFRL and ACC Complete XQ-67A Autonomous Platform Flight Test
AFRL and ACC validate XQ-67A beyond-line-of-sight data links and mission systems at Nevada Test and Training Range.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the Air Combat Command (ACC) Experimental Operations Unit successfully flew the XQ-67A Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) at the Nevada Test and Training Range to validate integrated mission systems and beyond-line-of-sight data links.
Announced on October 27, 2026, the flight test demonstrated the ability of uncrewed systems to extend the operational reach of crewed fighter formations and provide deep situational awareness. The milestone advances the Department of the Air Force’s goal of adding affordable operational mass to the fleet while reducing risk to human aircrews.
Validating autonomous architectures
The recent flight was completed under the Demonstration of ACP Performance and Effectiveness (Demon APE) project. During the test, the XQ-67A demonstrated the integration of advanced mission systems, including sensors, mission computers, and power and thermal management hardware.
The integration of beyond-line-of-sight datalinks and live, virtual, and constructive simulations allowed operators to manage uncrewed platforms across distributed theaters. This capability is designed to support resilient command and control in dispersed combat operations.
Trenton White, an aerospace engineer with the Air Warfare Directorate at the AFRL, highlighted the technical achievements of the flight test.
“This proved that AFRL’s autonomous architectures, aligned with Autonomy and Agile Mission Suite Government Reference Architectures, can reliably process and relay combat-relevant data in real-world scenarios.”
The collaboration between research and operational units is intended to accelerate the deployment of new technologies. Col. Matthew Caspers, Deputy Technology Executive Officer for Air at the Department of the Air Force, emphasized the strategic value of the joint effort.
“By pairing AFRL’s rapid prototyping with ACC’s operational test units, the Air Force is shortening the timeline between concept and warfighter capability.”
The XQ-67A development path and OBSS origins
Designed and manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), the XQ-67A was originally developed under the Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program. It serves as the first of a second generation of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms.
The aircraft was built using a genus and species manufacturing concept. This approach utilizes a common core chassis, referred to as the genus, from which several distinct aircraft variants, or species, can be built. The shared architecture enables faster development cycles and lowers overall production costs.
The XQ-67A completed its maiden flight on February 28, 2024, at Gray Butte Field Airport in Palmdale, California. Following initial flight testing, the AFRL awarded GA-ASI a sole-source contract on January 17, 2025, for Demon APE Phase II. This contract funded the integration of specific mission systems and upgraded the vehicle to ensure adequate power generation and thermal management capacity for advanced payloads.
Expanding the Collaborative Combat Aircraft ecosystem
The XQ-67A builds on the foundational success of earlier uncrewed platforms, specifically the XQ-58A Valkyrie. The data and operational concepts validated by the XQ-67A complement ongoing efforts at the Air Force Test Center, including the X-62 VISTA and F-16 VENOM programs.
Together, these parallel testing tracks are designed to speed the fielding of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), a central component of the Department of the Air Force’s future force structure.
AirPro News analysis
The progression from the XQ-67A’s maiden flight in early 2024 to complex beyond-line-of-sight data link testing in late 2026 highlights the rapid maturation of the genus and species manufacturing model. By utilizing a common chassis to test modular mission systems, the AFRL is proving that the underlying architecture can support rapid iteration without requiring a clean-sheet aircraft design for every new sensor suite.
The successful demonstration of resilient command and control across distributed theaters is a critical prerequisite for the operational deployment of Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Proving that these platforms can reliably relay combat data beyond line of sight ensures they can operate effectively alongside crewed fighters in contested environments, validating the core premise of the CCA program.
Photo Credit: AFRL
Defense & Military
Saab Names Canadian Partners for Gripen E Fighter Bid
Saab AB names CAE, IMP Aerospace, and Magellan as partners for its Gripen E bid in Canada’s fighter replacement program.
Saab AB has outlined its proposed domestic supply chain for Canada’s future fighter acquisition program, naming CAE Inc., IMP Aerospace & Defence, and Magellan Aerospace as principal partners for the Gripen E bid.
In a press release issued on October 27, 2026, the Swedish aerospace manufacturer detailed a strategy to establish in-country final assembly, aerostructures manufacturing, and long-term sustainment. The industrial ecosystem is conditional on the Government of Canada selecting the Gripen E to modernize the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) fleet.
Structuring the domestic supply chain
Saab has structured specific industrial agreements with the three Canadian entities to cover different phases of production and support. Under a Teaming Agreement, IMP Aerospace & Defence would establish a final assembly line, handle electrical assembly production, and provide in-service support (ISS) within Canada.
IMP Aerospace & Defence President David Gossen noted that the capability would meet domestic requirements while offering broader export potential.
“We see a real opportunity for IMP to produce and support aircraft for Gripen customers internationally, positioning Canadian industry as an enduring part of the global Gripen program,” Gossen said.
Saab signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Magellan Aerospace for the local manufacturing of advanced aerostructures, composite structures, and structural assemblies. Magellan Aerospace Vice President of Business Development Haydn Martin stated the company is positioned to bring its manufacturing expertise to the program, supporting high-tech job creation and sovereign defense capabilities.
A separate MoU with CAE Inc. covers the delivery of advanced fighter pilot and technician training, mission systems engineering, and sustainment capabilities. CAE Defense & Security President Pascal Grenier highlighted the company’s longstanding commitment to RCAF training needs and its readiness to support Canada’s future fighter force.
Meeting Canada’s industrial requirements
The Canadian fighter replacement program requires bidders to offer significant domestic industrial and technological benefits. Saab’s proposed ecosystem aims to provide Canada with a self-reliant capability to deploy, sustain, and enhance the Gripen E aircraft over its operational life.
Saab AB President and CEO Micael Johansson described the potential acquisition as a long-term national investment.
“Together with CAE, IMP and Magellan Aerospace we are prepared to establish a strong Canadian industrial ecosystem around Gripen that delivers operational effect, national sovereignty and lasting industrial and technological benefits,” Johansson said.
The Gripen E and RCAF modernization
Saab designs and manufactures the Gripen series of advanced multi-role fighter aircraft alongside other defense and security systems. The company is offering the Gripen E to the Government of Canada as the replacement for the current RCAF fighter fleet. The activation of the partnerships with CAE, IMP Aerospace & Defence, and Magellan Aerospace remains entirely dependent on the government selecting the Swedish aircraft.
The three Canadian partners are established aerospace entities. CAE specializes in advanced simulation technologies and training services for defense forces globally. IMP Aerospace & Defence provides in-service support, engineering, and maintenance for military aircraft. Magellan Aerospace manufactures complex aerospace systems, aerostructures, and components.
AirPro News analysis
Saab’s industrial strategy highlights the stringent economic requirements embedded in Canada’s fighter replacement program. By offering a domestic final assembly line and integrating Canadian firms into the global supply chain, Saab is attempting to maximize its industrial and technological benefits proposition. The proposal for IMP Aerospace & Defence to potentially produce and support aircraft for international Gripen customers is particularly notable, as it offers long-term economic value that extends beyond the RCAF procurement cycle. We view this as a calculated move to address both sovereign defense capability and domestic economic priorities in a highly competitive acquisition process.
Photo Credit: Saab AB
-
Business Aviation5 days agoDTA Aircraft JP1 eVTOL Targets April 2027 US Flight Testing
-
Regulations & Safety5 days agoFAA Launches MedGuide Medication Database for Aviators
-
Business Aviation6 days agoCivil Air Patrol Orders 21 Cessna Aircraft From Textron Aviation
-
Space & Satellites5 days agoBAE Systems Acquires Colorado Facility for Space Hardware
-
Technology & Innovation4 days agoSkyfly Technologies Raises $10M to Certify Axe eVTOL