Defense & Military
Autonomous Fighters Gain Focus at 2025 International Fighter Conference Rome
GA-ASI showcases autonomous combat jets like YFQ-42A at Rome conference, marking rapid advances in manned-unmanned teaming for future air combat.
The world of aerial combat is on the cusp of a monumental shift, moving from pilot-centric dogfights to a future defined by artificial intelligence, data fusion, and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). This evolution is not a distant concept but a present-day reality, brought into sharp focus at the 25th anniversary of the International Fighter Conference in Rome. From November 4-6, 2025, this premier event, supported by the Italian Air-Forces, gathers over 450 senior military leaders and industry experts to map out the future of air superiority. The central theme is clear: the integration of autonomous and semi-autonomous aircraft is no longer a question of ‘if,’ but ‘how soon.’
At the heart of this conversation is General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a company long recognized for its pioneering work in uncrewed aircraft systems like the Predator® and Reaper® series. Their prominent position at the conference as the event’s only Four-Star Lead Partner underscores a deep global commitment to this autonomous future. It signals a transition from surveillance and reconnaissance Drones to a new class of uncrewed combat jets designed to fly alongside, and in support of, the most advanced piloted fighters. This event serves as a critical platform to showcase the tangible progress being made in developing these next-generation assets.
In Rome, GA-ASI is not just discussing concepts; they are presenting a concrete vision of the future air force. The company is featuring its latest advancements in uncrewed combat jets, with a full-scale model of the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) on display. This aircraft represents a significant leap forward, designed to act as a “loyal wingman” to traditional fighters. Alongside the YFQ-42A, GA-ASI is highlighting the MQ-20 Avenger® and the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station, each platform playing a distinct role in a networked, collaborative combat ecosystem.
The development and deployment of these systems are happening at an accelerated pace. GA-ASI has moved beyond theoretical designs and into active production and flight operations. The company has publicly committed to building and flying a production-representative uncrewed jet fighter for the U.S. Air Force by the summer of 2025, a testament to their rapid development capabilities. This swift timeline challenges the traditionally long development cycles associated with military aviation, aiming to deliver cutting-edge technology to the warfighter faster than ever before.
This rapid progress is built on a foundation of proven technology. The MQ-20 Avenger, which first flew in 2009, has become a crucial test bed for integrating advanced autonomy software. It serves as a mature and reliable platform for validating AI algorithms and control systems from various sources, including the U.S. government and other industry partners. This collaborative approach ensures that the autonomous “brain” of these future fighters is robust, adaptable, and interoperable.
“The YFQ-42A is a revolutionary aircraft, and the fleet is in production and in the air today. This isn’t a ‘wait and see’ moment. We’re flying. We’re delivering. And we’re advancing this future of combat aviation, the same way we have for more than three decades.”, David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI
Underpinning GA-ASI’s strategy is the “Gambit Series,” a family of modular, uncrewed fighters designed for rapid evolution. This innovative approach allows global air forces to adapt their capabilities quickly without being locked into a single, static platform. By creating a common core system with interchangeable mission payloads, GA-ASI aims to provide a cost-effective and flexible solution for maintaining air dominance. The YFQ-42A and XQ-67A are key examples of this philosophy in action, demonstrating how different configurations can be deployed to meet specific mission requirements, from sensing to kinetic strikes.
The concept of Collaborative Combat Aircraft is central to this new paradigm. These uncrewed aircraft are not meant to replace human pilots but to augment them. They are designed to operate as force multipliers, extending the sensor range of a manned fighter, carrying additional munitions, and undertaking high-risk missions in contested airspace. This teaming strategy increases the survivability of human pilots and expands the tactical options available to a mission commander, effectively increasing air combat mass without a proportional increase in cost or personnel.
The industry-wide shift towards this model is undeniable. The conference themes in Rome reflect this trend, with a heavy focus on Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS), sixth-generation fighter platforms, and the critical role of enabling technologies. A new “Technology & Engineering Track” at the event further highlights the importance of innovation in artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and space-based assets. These elements are no longer considered separate domains but are being woven together into a single, integrated network of systems that will define the future battlespace. GA-ASI’s significant presence at the International Fighter Conference is more than a corporate showcase; it is a clear indicator of a fundamental transformation in Military-Aircraft. The technologies on display, from the YFQ-42A CCA to the battle-tested MQ-20 Avenger, demonstrate that the era of autonomous combat is not a far-off vision but an unfolding reality. The focus has shifted from remotely piloted drones to intelligent, collaborative platforms that can operate with a high degree of autonomy alongside their human counterparts.
As nations look to develop their next-generation air forces, the principles of Manned-Unmanned Teaming, rapid and modular development, and AI integration are becoming the new cornerstones of air power strategy. The discussions and demonstrations in Rome will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of military aviation for years to come, accelerating the transition towards a smarter, more networked, and more resilient global air force. The future of the fighter jet is collaborative, autonomous, and it is arriving now.
Question: What is the International Fighter Conference? Question: What is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)? Question: What is General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) showcasing in Rome?
The Dawn of a New Air Force: Autonomous Fighters Take Center Stage in Rome
GA-ASI’s Blueprint for the Future of Air Combat
The Gambit Series: A Modular Approach to Air Power
Conclusion: A New Era of Aerial Warfare is Here
FAQ
Answer: It is a premier global event for the combat aviation community, bringing together senior military leaders, government officials, and industry experts to discuss the future of air superiority. The 2025 conference in Rome marks its 25th anniversary.
Answer: A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, also known as a “loyal wingman,” is an uncrewed aircraft designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets. Its purpose is to augment the capabilities of the manned aircraft by extending sensor range, carrying additional weapons, and performing high-risk missions.
Answer: GA-ASI is featuring its latest uncrewed combat jets, including a full-scale model of the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), the MQ-20 Avenger®, and the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station.
Sources
Photo Credit: General Atomics
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin NetSense Uses 5G to Detect Unauthorized Drones
Lockheed Martin’s NetSense prototype uses commercial 5G networks and AI to detect unauthorized drones in complex environments without new hardware.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin Corporation.
Lockheed Martin has unveiled a new prototype system that leverages existing commercial 5G cellular networks to detect unauthorized drones. According to an official press release from the company, the technology, dubbed NetSense™, is designed to identify aerial intrusions in crowded and complex environments without the need for traditional radar or camera systems.
As small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS) become increasingly common in both civilian and conflict zones, detecting them in dense urban settings or near event venues has proven difficult. Lockheed Martin’s approach turns everyday cellular infrastructure into a real-time drone detection layer, offering a novel solution to a growing security challenge.
The rapid development of the NetSense system highlights a shift in defense contracting toward faster, more agile innovation cycles. Built in a matter of months by the company’s 5G.MIL® team, the project demonstrates how commercial technology can be rapidly adapted for critical safety and situational awareness applications.
Cell networks constantly exchange radio frequency (RF) signals with connected devices, creating an invisible field of waves that stretch, compress, and reflect as they interact with the physical environment. When a new object, such as a consumer drone, enters this RF field, it causes observable changes in the signal patterns.
According to the Lockheed Martin release, NetSense utilizes artificial intelligence to interpret these RF disruptions. The system translates the complex data into immediate, actionable cues, allowing users to determine if an object is in the airspace and track its trajectory. Notably, the system successfully detected a small drone that was not connected to the cellular network during a recent demonstration.
To visualize this data, the NetSense team integrated Lockheed Martin’s newly launched STAR.UI™ software. This interface features built-in AI agents that help operators monitor mission-relevant data in real time, serving as the visualization component of the broader STAR.OS™ modular architecture.
The development of NetSense represents a departure from traditional, multi-year defense procurement timelines. Lockheed Martin noted that its 5G.MIL team operated much like a startup, utilizing small teams, rapid iteration, and tight feedback loops to prove the concept quickly. “As a project concept in a new innovative space, we had more questions than answers as we started the project,” said Amir Stephenson, director of 5G.MIL Programs at Lockheed Martin.
Because the system relies on existing 5G towers and off-the-shelf mobile devices acting as receivers, it eliminates the need for specialized hardware or lengthy installation processes. The company emphasized that the technology is designed to maintain the privacy of commercial 5G users while providing an added layer of security.
The potential applications for this technology span multiple sectors. Lockheed Martin highlighted that stadiums could use the system to monitor restricted airspace during major events, while cities and port authorities could track drones navigating between buildings or shipping lanes. Additionally, schools could leverage the network to alert local law enforcement of unexpected drone activity.
The introduction of NetSense underscores a broader industry trend of dual-use technology, where commercial infrastructure is repurposed for defense and security missions. By utilizing the ubiquitous nature of 5G networks, Lockheed Martin is addressing one of the primary limitations of traditional counter-UAS (C-UAS) systems, the high cost and logistical burden of deploying dedicated sensors across vast urban landscapes.
We observe that this “situational awareness as a service” model could significantly lower the barrier to entry for civilian organizations seeking drone detection capabilities. However, the reliance on commercial cellular networks will likely require ongoing collaboration with telecommunications providers to ensure seamless integration and address any potential regulatory or privacy concerns.
NetSense is a prototype drone detection system that uses existing commercial 5G cellular networks and artificial intelligence to identify unauthorized drones in complex environments.
The system monitors the invisible field of radio frequency (RF) waves created by cell networks. When a drone enters the area, it disrupts these waves. NetSense uses AI to interpret these changes and alert operators, even if the drone is not connected to the network.
No. According to Lockheed Martin, the system uses existing 5G towers and off-the-shelf phones as detection receivers, avoiding the need for new sensors or long installation timelines.
How NetSense Turns 5G into a Sensor Network
Rapid Innovation and Real-World Applications
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lockheed Martin’s NetSense system?
How does the 5G drone detection work?
Does NetSense require new hardware to be installed?
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
U.S. Army Receives First Autonomous-Ready H-60Mx Black Hawk
The U.S. Army received its first autonomous-ready H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter featuring Sikorsky’s MATRIX system and fly-by-wire controls at Fort Eustis.
This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Department of War.
On March 19, 2026, the U.S. Army officially received its first autonomous-ready H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopters at Fort Eustis, Virginia. According to an official press release from the U.S. Department of War, this delivery marks a pivotal milestone in military aviation, introducing an “Optimally Piloted Vehicle” (OPV) capable of operating with or without a human crew onboard.
The handover represents the culmination of more than a decade of research and development. By integrating advanced digital co-pilot systems into a proven airframe, the military aims to reduce pilot workload, enhance safety in degraded environments, and enable remote operations. We at AirPro News recognize this development as a critical step in the Army’s broader restructuring efforts to integrate unmanned and autonomous systems into its active fleet.
The core of the H-60Mx’s new capabilities is the MATRIX™ autonomy system, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. According to the Department of War’s release, this system functions as a highly advanced digital co-pilot designed to manage complex flight tasks from takeoff to landing.
To accommodate this technology, the helicopter’s traditional mechanical flight controls have been entirely replaced with a modern fly-by-wire electronic system. Army officials note that this upgrade significantly improves the aircraft’s stability and handling, particularly in low-visibility conditions where human pilots might struggle.
The H-60Mx features three distinct operational modes. It can be flown conventionally by onboard pilots, operated remotely from a secure ground station, or programmed to perform missions completely independently without real-time human input.
“After years of successful demonstrations on both commercial and military aircraft, the technology has matured. It is now a reliable system, ready for formal military evaluation.”
The autonomy technology integrated into the H-60Mx originated from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program. Initiated over ten years ago, the visionary goal of ALIAS was to create a removable automation “kit” for existing aircraft. This kit was designed to reduce the complexity of flying, allowing human crews to focus on higher-level mission management.
Following years of partnerships between Sikorsky and DARPA, including a landmark 2022 demonstration of an optionally-piloted Black Hawk flying without any crew onboard, the system has transitioned from a developmental concept to a field-ready asset. With the delivery of the H-60Mx, the aircraft now serves as the primary testbed for the Army’s Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler (SAFE) program. The Department of War states that the ultimate goal of the SAFE program is to develop a universal, scalable autonomy kit. This kit is intended to be retrofitted across the Army’s existing fleet of hundreds of Black Hawk helicopters, as well as integrated into future aircraft designs.
By utilizing a retrofit kit approach rather than relying solely on clean-sheet aircraft designs, the Army expects to significantly reduce the time and cost required to field autonomous capabilities across its broader aviation fleet.
“By proving out this technology, the Army aims to unlock a new era of aviation. The delivery of this first [‘optimally’ piloted vehicle] Black Hawk is more than just a hardware handover; it’s a tangible step toward a future where technology and soldiers work together in new and powerful ways to ensure mission success.”
The H-60Mx is currently entering a rigorous testing phase at Fort Eustis. Army test pilots and engineers will evaluate the aircraft’s performance in complex, real-world mission scenarios, testing both its independent and remote-control capabilities. A primary focus of this evaluation will be assessing the system’s effectiveness in low-visibility environments and its overall impact on soldier safety.
Beyond federal military applications, the technology is also being explored for state-level missions. The state of Texas is collaborating on the ALIAS autonomy technology through a multi-year testbed effort sponsored by the Texas A&M University System’s Bush Combat Development Complex. According to project data, this initiative will utilize modified UH-60L helicopters to evaluate the value of autonomous aircraft for wildland firefighting and other critical state emergency responses.
We observe that the introduction of the H-60Mx aligns closely with the U.S. Army’s ongoing, large-scale aviation restructuring. Recent military strategies have emphasized reducing thousands of traditional aviation positions while simultaneously expanding the role of autonomous and unmanned systems. By advancing optionally piloted flight capabilities, the Army is prioritizing mission flexibility and survivability in highly contested environments. Furthermore, the SAFE program’s “kit” strategy represents a highly pragmatic procurement approach, allowing the military to modernize its legacy fleet of Black Hawks cost-effectively while bridging the gap to next-generation vertical lift platforms.
An Optimally Piloted Vehicle, or optionally piloted vehicle, is an aircraft equipped with advanced autonomous systems that allow it to be flown by a traditional human crew onboard, operated remotely from a ground station, or flown completely independently by onboard computers.
The U.S. Army officially received the H-60Mx Black Hawk on March 19, 2026, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.
The Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler (SAFE) program is a U.S. Army initiative aimed at developing a universal, scalable autonomy kit that can be retrofitted onto existing helicopters, like the Black Hawk, to provide them with autonomous flight capabilities. Sources:
The Technology Behind the H-60Mx Black Hawk
Sikorsky’s MATRIX and Fly-by-Wire Upgrades
From DARPA’s ALIAS to the Army’s SAFE Program
A Decade of Research Culminates
The Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler (SAFE)
Testing, Evaluation, and Broader Applications
Real-World Scenarios and State Partnerships
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an Optimally Piloted Vehicle (OPV)?
When and where was the first autonomous-ready Black Hawk delivered?
What is the SAFE program?
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Courtesy photo
Defense & Military
Kongsberg Secures NOK 2 Billion Contract Extension for F-35 Components
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace extends its contract with Lockheed Martin for NOK 2 billion to produce F-35 components through 2030, supporting Norway’s defense industry.
This article is based on an official press release from Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, supplemented by industry research.
Norwegian defense contractor Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has secured a major contract extension with U.S. defense prime Lockheed Martin, ensuring its continued participation in the global F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program. According to an official company press release dated March 18, 2026, the agreement is valued at approximately NOK 2 billion (roughly $190 million to $209 million) and will extend Kongsberg’s manufacturing deliveries through the year 2030.
The newly announced contract covers production for F-35 Lots 20, 21, and 22. Under the terms of the agreement, Kongsberg will continue to manufacture critical structural components, including aircraft rudders, vertical leading edges, and main landing gear closeout panels. These components are slated to support all three variants of the fifth-generation stealth fighter, the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, the short takeoff/vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-based F-35C.
This manufacturing extension highlights the enduring economic benefits of the F-35 program for Norway’s domestic defense industry. Although the Royal Norwegian Air Force completed its own procurement of 52 F-35A fighters in 2025, Kongsberg’s role in the global supply chain remains robust, securing long-term industrial continuity and high-tech manufacturing jobs in the region.
According to the company’s announcement, all parts under this NOK 2 billion contract will be produced at Kongsberg’s advanced manufacturing facilities in Norway, historically centered at the Arsenalet facility in the town of Kongsberg. The continuation of this production line underscores the stringent quality requirements demanded by the F-35 program. Industry research notes that Kongsberg has maintained a strong track record of on-time deliveries, which has been instrumental in securing subsequent production lots.
“The deal underscores Kongsberg’s entrenched position as a highly reliable, zero-defect supplier for one of the world’s most advanced and expensive defense programs,” according to defense industry research summarizing the agreement.
Kongsberg has served as a strategic industrial partner to Lockheed Martin for over a decade, initially supplying composite and titanium parts starting in 2010. The partnership is rooted in the F-35 program’s unique international industrial participation model. When allied nations like Norway partnered in the development and procurement of the aircraft, they were granted industrial offsets. This framework allowed domestic companies to bid for manufacturing contracts within the global supply chain. Over the years, Kongsberg successfully expanded its portfolio, notably adding main landing gear closeout panels to its production line in 2015.
While the manufacturing of new components remains a significant revenue stream, Kongsberg has also heavily invested in the long-term sustainment of the F-35 fleet. In 2025, Norway received the last of its planned 52 F-35A fighters, which are currently stationed at the Ørland and Evenes air bases to serve as a critical component of NATO’s northern border defense. Following the completion of this fleet, Kongsberg shifted focus toward domestic maintenance.
Industry data indicates that in March 2025, Kongsberg signed a 15-year agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to handle the maintenance, upgrades, and modifications of the Norwegian F-35 fleet. Furthermore, in October 2025, Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services opened a new 5,000-square-meter F-35 maintenance facility in Rygge, Norway. This facility operates alongside an existing depot for F-135 engines that opened in 2020, allowing Norway to perform heavy maintenance domestically rather than exporting the work. Beyond structural components and maintenance, Kongsberg’s relationship with the F-35 program is deeply tied to the Joint Strike Missile (JSM). Developed specifically by Kongsberg to fit inside the internal weapons bay of the F-35A without compromising the aircraft’s stealth profile, the JSM is a long-range precision strike missile. The successful integration of this weapon system continues to drive further revenue for Kongsberg and enhances the tactical appeal of the F-35 platform for allied nations.
We view this NOK 2 billion contract extension as a textbook example of how initial defense procurement offsets can translate into decades of sustained industrial revenue. With the global F-35 fleet surpassing 1,300 delivered aircraft as of early 2026, the demand for replacement parts, structural components, and heavy maintenance is virtually guaranteed for the next several decades. Kongsberg Gruppen ASA, which recorded total revenues of NOK 58.6 billion in 2025 across its 15,000-employee global workforce, has successfully insulated itself from the typical “boom and bust” cycles of domestic military procurement. By embedding itself into both the manufacturing of Lots 20-22 and the 15-year sustainment tail of the Norwegian fleet, Kongsberg has secured a highly defensible market position within NATO’s premier Military-Aircraft program.
Under the new contract, Kongsberg will manufacture aircraft rudders, vertical leading edges, and main landing gear closeout panels for all three variants of the F-35 (A, B, and C models).
The contract extension with Lockheed Martin is valued at approximately NOK 2 billion, which translates to roughly $190 million to $209 million.
The agreement covers production for F-35 Lots 20, 21, and 22, ensuring manufacturing deliveries from Kongsberg through the year 2030.
Kongsberg Secures NOK 2 Billion Contract Extension for F-35 Components Through 2030
Manufacturing Continuity and Component Details
Scope of the Agreement
A Decade-Long Partnership
Norway’s Expanding Role in the F-35 Ecosystem
Transitioning from Procurement to Sustainment
The Joint Strike Missile (JSM) Integration
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What components is Kongsberg manufacturing for the F-35?
How much is the contract worth?
When does the contract run through?
Sources
Photo Credit: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace
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