Defense & Military
Airbus Develops Uncrewed Combat Aircraft for German Air Force by 2029
Airbus plans to deploy autonomous uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft with the German Air Force by 2029, using Kratos Valkyrie drones and MARS mission system.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
By the end of this decade, uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (UCCA) are expected to fundamentally reshape aerial warfare by flying alongside crewed fighter jets. European aerospace giant Airbus has detailed its roadmap for these autonomous systems, aiming to deliver operational UCCA capabilities to the German Air Force by 2029.
According to an official press release from Airbus, the company is advancing the concept of crewed-uncrewed teaming to increase combat mass and extend the reach of existing platforms like the Eurofighter Typhoon. These autonomous “loyal wingmen” will act as force multipliers, taking on high-risk missions in contested airspace while human pilots maintain command and control from a safe distance.
To accelerate development and minimize risk, Airbus has partnered with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, utilizing the proven XQ-58A Valkyrie drone as a foundational platform. The integration of Airbus’s proprietary mission system into the Valkyrie will pave the way for maiden flights scheduled for later in 2025.
Redefining Aerial Combat with Autonomous Wingmen
Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming
The core philosophy behind the UCCA is crewed-uncrewed teaming. In this operational model, a crewed combat aircraft serves as the central command node, while the UCCA functions as the pilot’s extended arm. Rather than manually flying the drone, the human pilot issues high-level mission objectives, such as scanning a sector or engaging a target, which the UCCA executes with a high degree of autonomy.
Airbus notes that these uncrewed platforms can take on specialized roles during a mission. While one UCCA might be tasked with engaging an enemy air defense position using guided missiles, others could be deployed to jam enemy radar systems or relay real-time battlefield data back to the Eurofighter cockpit. This division of labor significantly reduces the cognitive burden on human pilots, allowing them to focus on overarching tactical decisions.
Force Multipliers in Contested Airspace
Unlike traditional uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) that may require constant human input and are vulnerable in hostile environments, UCCAs are specifically designed for contested airspace. They are capable of operating in GNSS-denied environments where satellite signals are jammed or unavailable, relying on their onboard mission systems to calculate optimal flight paths and manage sensors independently.
Furthermore, these autonomous aircraft serve as critical force multipliers. Because they can be manufactured in greater numbers and at a lower cost than traditional crewed fighter jets, they provide the necessary scale to achieve air superiority without overstretching military budgets. By delegating high-risk tasks to these drones, air forces can also ensure that human pilots remain out of the immediate line of fire.
Accelerating Deployment for the German Air Force
The Kratos Valkyrie Partnership
To meet the ambitious target of operational readiness by 2029, Airbus is adopting an agile development strategy. The company has partnered with Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to heavily customize the XQ-58A Valkyrie. By leveraging this cost-effective and proven platform, Airbus aims to provide the German Air Force and other European partners with a sovereign UCCA capability.
According to the company’s press release, Airbus is currently preparing the first two acquired Valkyrie aircraft for their maiden flights, which are slated to take place later in 2025. Following these initial tests, a critical second phase will involve digitally connecting the Valkyrie to the Eurofighter, establishing the first operational European crewed-uncrewed team.
The MARS Mission System
The technological cornerstone of this sovereign capability is the Airbus Multiplatform Autonomous Reconfigurable Secure (MARS) mission system. This open-architecture software serves as the “brain” of the UCCA, enabling seamless human-machine collaboration and allowing the German Air Force to immediately begin operational testing and concept development.
“The MARS mission system developed by Airbus is an example of a software-defined defence approach. It enables rapid updates to military technology and enhances interoperability…”
Airbus stated in its release that this software-defined approach ensures the platform’s mission logic, data processing, and autonomy functions can be rapidly updated to keep pace with evolving adversary capabilities. In parallel to the Valkyrie integration, the company is also developing a heavier, fully European UCCA platform to address more sophisticated operational requirements.
AirPro News analysis
In our assessment, the decision by Airbus to utilize an existing American platform, the Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie, as a testbed highlights a pragmatic shift in European defense procurement. Rather than waiting a decade or more for a clean-sheet European drone design to mature, we observe that Airbus is prioritizing speed to market and software sovereignty. By focusing on the MARS mission system as the core intellectual property, Airbus can establish the critical command-and-control architecture now, while simultaneously developing a heavier, fully European UCCA platform in parallel for future deployment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft (UCCA)?
An UCCA, often referred to as a “loyal wingman,” is an autonomous, armed drone designed to fly alongside and support crewed fighter jets in contested airspace.
When will Airbus deploy its first UCCA?
Airbus intends to put its initial UCCA capability into operation with the German Air Force by 2029, with maiden test flights of the modified Kratos Valkyrie scheduled for later in 2025.
How does an UCCA differ from a standard drone?
While standard uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) often require a human operator to manage every maneuver, an UCCA is highly autonomous. It is “tasked” rather than “flown,” meaning it can independently calculate flight paths, manage sensors, and execute objectives even in environments where GPS/GNSS signals are jammed.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Rolls-Royce MissionCare Contract for French-German C-130J Fleet
Rolls-Royce finalizes MissionCare propulsion subcontract with Sabena technics for the joint French-German C-130J fleet through 2030.
On July 23, 2026, Rolls-Royce announced the finalization of a subcontract with French aerospace services provider Sabena technics to deliver proprietary MissionCare propulsion support for the joint French-German Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules fleet. The agreement embeds original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel directly into the squadron’s operational environment to maximize engine availability.
The propulsion support agreement, which runs through December 2030, serves as a direct follow-on to the overarching CAROLUS operational readiness and maintenance program. France’s Directorate of Aeronautical Maintenance (DMAé) awarded the 10-year CAROLUS prime contract to Sabena technics in January 2026 to create an integrated maintenance ecosystem for the binational squadron.
Fleet integration and operational readiness
The Binational Air Transport Squadron (BATS), based at Évreux-Fauville Air Base 105 in France, operates a combined fleet of 10 Military-Aircraft. This includes five standard C-130J transport aircraft and five KC-130J aerial refueling variants, all powered by Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines.
Under the MissionCare framework, Rolls-Royce will provide flight-hour-based sustainment services. The Contracts structure places Rolls-Royce Field Service Representatives and logistics personnel directly alongside Sabena technics teams on the ground.
In a press release detailing the agreement, Meagan Rater, Director of US Mature Programmes for Defence at Rolls-Royce, emphasized the operational focus of the Partnerships.
“Bringing our MissionCare program to the joint French-German C-130J fleet means we can embed our team directly alongside Sabena technics. This is not just a services contract, it is a hands-on partnership where our OEM engineering expertise will be on the ground every day. By integrating our Field Service Representatives and logistics directly into their daily operations, we are ensuring maximum engine availability and keeping these critical strategic assets flight-ready for every mission.”
Strategic maintenance ecosystem
The integration of the engine manufacturer into the daily maintenance workflow is designed to reduce operational risk for the European multinational air mobility fleet. Sabena technics Chief Executive Officer Hervé Grandjean noted that bringing Rolls-Royce into the CAROLUS ecosystem completes the company’s vision for an integrated support network.
“With the award of the CAROLUS contract, our vision is to build an integrated support network capable of guaranteeing availability for the French-German fleet. Bringing Rolls-Royce into this ecosystem with their MissionCare program completes that vision. With the engine OEM embedded alongside our teams on the ground means we are proactively managing aircraft readiness together, ensuring the vital, binational squadron is always ready to deploy.”
AirPro News analysis
We view this subcontract as a clear indicator of the growing preference among European defense ministries for integrated, flight-hour-based sustainment models over traditional transactional maintenance. By embedding the OEM directly at the squadron level, the DMAé and Sabena technics are prioritizing guaranteed readiness for high-demand tactical airlift and aerial refueling assets. The structure of the CAROLUS program effectively shifts the burden of supply chain and engineering risk from the military operator to the commercial partners.
Sources: Rolls-Royce
Photo Credit: Rolls-Royce
Defense & Military
CAE and Leonardo Expand M-346 Integrated Training System
CAE and Leonardo announced an expanded M-346 ITS collaboration at Farnborough 2026 to advance LVC and AI-enabled military pilot training.
CAE Inc. and Leonardo S.p.A. announced an expanded collaboration agreement on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to develop a next-generation technology roadmap for the M-346 Integrated Training System (ITS). The partnership will integrate Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) environments to prepare military aviators for increasingly autonomous and artificial intelligence-enabled battlespaces.
The agreement builds on the existing joint operation of the International Flight Training School (IFTS) located in Decimomannu, Sardinia, Italy. According to the joint press release, the companies will focus on advancing the M-346 Block 20 system features and expanding Live Synthetic Integration (LSI) capabilities to meet evolving tactical training requirements for global air forces.
Advancing the M-346 Integrated Training System
The technology roadmap outlined by CAE and Leonardo targets the integration of advanced simulation with live flight operations. As military aviation shifts toward next-generation air operations, the training syllabus must adapt to environments where pilots manage complex, automated mission systems rather than focusing solely on aircraft handling.
Pascal Grenier, President of CAE Defense & Security, highlighted the operational focus of the expanded partnership in the company’s official statement.
“Our longstanding collaboration with Leonardo and the International Flight Training School (IFTS) stands as the premier example of combining highly sophisticated simulation technologies and live flight training to deliver world-class pilot instruction and operational readiness.”
Grenier added that future battlespaces will place unprecedented demands on pilots, requiring training environments that build judgment, adaptability, and decision-making skills. Stefano Bortoli, Managing Director of Leonardo Aeronautics, noted that the agreement will strengthen the development of highly skilled pilots for current and future operational requirements.
Expanding Global Footprint and Financial Context
The Farnborough announcement follows a series of recent international agreements involving the M-346 platform. On May 26, 2026, ITPS Canada ordered Leonardo M-346 T Block 20 advanced jet trainers. Subsequently, on July 21, 2026, Leonardo signed a procurement contract with PT ESystem Solutions and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia for M-346 F aircraft to fulfill Indonesian Air Force training and combat requirements.
Leonardo also utilized the Farnborough event to highlight its broader defense sector momentum. On July 22, 2026, the manufacturer signed a separate agreement with Lockheed Martin to strengthen maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for the C-130J Super Hercules across Europe and the Middle East and North Africa regions.
The press release detailing the CAE partnership also provided an update on Leonardo’s financial standing. The company reported 2025 new orders totaling €23.8 billion, an order backlog of €46.6 billion, and consolidated revenues of €19.5 billion.
AirPro News analysis
We view this expanded CAE and Leonardo partnership as a necessary evolution in military flight training. As sixth-generation fighter programs and collaborative combat aircraft concepts mature, the cognitive load on pilots will shift heavily from basic airmanship to systems management and tactical battle management.
By embedding LVC and LSI technologies directly into the M-346 ITS roadmap, Leonardo and CAE are positioning the platform to remain relevant against emerging clean-sheet trainer designs. The recent string of international orders for both the trainer and fighter variants of the M-346 indicates that the airframe still has significant market runway, provided the synthetic training environment keeps pace with frontline combat systems.
Sources: Leonardo Press Release
Photo Credit: Leonardo
Defense & Military
Embraer C-390 to Integrate Anduril Barracuda-500M Missile
Embraer and Anduril signed an MoU at Farnborough 2026 to add pallet-launched Barracuda-500M strike capability to the C-390 Millennium.
Embraer S.A. and Anduril Industries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on July 21, 2026, to integrate the pallet-launched Barracuda-500M stand-off cruise missile into the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom, introduces a kinetic strike role to the Brazilian manufacturer’s tactical airlifter.
In a press release issued by Embraer, the companies confirmed the partnerships aims to allow the C-390 to conduct palletized launches of kinetic effects. This capability enables dispersed operations and allows transport aircraft to serve as stand-off launch platforms without requiring permanent structural modifications.
Expanding the C-390 Millennium mission profile
The C-390 Millennium features a payload capacity of 26 metric tons (57,300 pounds) and a cruise speed of 470 knots. Integrating a palletized launch system allows operators to roll munitions on and off the aircraft using standard cargo handling procedures, temporarily converting the airlifter into a strike platform.
“By exploring the integration of stand-off launch capabilities for palletized, kinetic, and non-kinetic effects, we are further expanding the aircraft’s flexibility to meet the evolving needs of modern air forces,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense and Security.
Anduril’s Barracuda-500M integration
Anduril Industries first successfully tested a pallet-launched Barracuda-500M (B-500M) in September 2024. The system is designed for rapid production and scalability to meet high-volume munitions requirements. On July 15, 2026, Anduril secured a procurement framework agreement with the United States Department of Defense (DoD) for large-scale production of the Barracuda 500 series, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2027.
“Integrating the pallet-launched Barracuda-500M with Embraer’s C-390 Millennium gives allied militaries a new way to generate massed, stand-off effects from a proven airlift platform,” said Greg Kausner, Senior Vice President for Global Defense at Anduril Industries.
Kausner added that the Barracuda family of systems delivers operationally relevant capabilities to meet the growing demand for affordable munitions.
Global market demand
The C-390 has gained significant traction in the military-aircraft transport market. To date, 12 countries have selected the aircraft, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Uzbekistan, Sweden, the United Arab Emirates, Slovakia, and Lithuania.
According to da Costa Junior, the push for palletized munitions is driven directly by customer interest. He noted that Embraer is receiving demand for this capability from several countries across Europe and Asia.
While the companies have not provided a specific date for the first live test of the B-500M from a C-390, Embraer representatives indicated the integration process can be completed rapidly.
AirPro News analysis
We view the Embraer and Anduril partnership as a direct response to the growing tactical interest in “arsenal plane” concepts. Programs like the U.S. Air Force Rapid Dragon have demonstrated the viability of deploying long-range strike weapons from standard cargo aircraft. By partnering with Anduril to offer a turnkey palletized strike capability, Embraer significantly enhances the value proposition of the C-390 Millennium against competitors in the tactical airlift sector. For smaller air forces that cannot afford dedicated heavy bomber fleets, outfitting a multi-role transport aircraft with stand-off cruise missiles provides a highly cost-effective deterrent.
Sources: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer
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