This article is based on an official press release from Deutsche Aircraft.

Deutsche Aircraft Unveils Crewed-Uncrewed Teaming Concept Ahead of ILA Berlin 2026

Ahead of the Air-Shows ILA Berlin 2026 aerospace trade show, scheduled for June 10 through June 14, 2026, German Manufacturers Deutsche Aircraft has announced a major expansion of its aviation portfolio. According to an official company press release, the manufacturer is introducing a new uncrewed aerial system designed to operate in tandem with its crewed D328® Multi Role (MR) turboprop.

This integrated “crewed-uncrewed” teaming concept is engineered to provide European governmental and civil operators with highly flexible, sovereign solutions for mission-critical operations. The company notes that the combined fleet approach will support a variety of demanding applications, including border control, maritime surveillance, and medical evacuation.

By developing these capabilities domestically, Deutsche Aircraft aims to address the growing demand for turnkey, multi-role aircraft configurations among European defense and public-sector agencies. The upcoming showcase in Berlin will serve as the primary platform to demonstrate these new operational synergies to the global aerospace ecosystem.

The D328® Multi Role and Uncrewed Teaming Concept

Expanding the Dornier Legacy

The foundation of this new portfolio is the D328MR, a civil-certified, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) aircraft built upon the proven legacy of the Dornier 328 platform. Deutsche Aircraft states that the D328MR is optimized for demanding environments, boasting short-field performance and the ability to operate from unprepared runways. Furthermore, the aircraft features interchangeable cabin modules, allowing operators to quickly reconfigure the airframe for different operational roles such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue, and tactical transport.

Integrating Uncrewed Assets

To enhance the baseline capabilities of the D328MR, Deutsche Aircraft is introducing a complementary uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV). In mixed-fleet scenarios, the press release details that the crewed D328MR will serve as the primary mission hardware. Meanwhile, the uncrewed vehicle will act as a data-gathering complement, delivering wide-area maritime and border surveillance coverage and effectively extending the operational range of the primary aircraft.

ILA Berlin 2026 Showcase and Strategic Vision

Static Displays and Autonomous Refueling

During ILA Berlin 2026, Deutsche Aircraft will be located at the BDLI Joint Pavilion (Booth C-342). The company announced that it will feature an active front-line European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) D328 on static display, presented in cooperation with Dutch aviation provider EASP Air NL. Alongside the aircraft, the manufacturer will showcase an autonomous refueling pod, which highlights the platform’s capacity for flexible, long-endurance missions.

Emphasizing the strategic importance of this portfolio expansion, Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, highlighted the need for domestic adaptability in the public sector.

“Europe needs sovereign, flexible and future-proof aviation solutions for public-sector operations. With the D328MR, complemented by uncrewed capabilities, we are offering a portfolio that allows authorities to select the right platforms for each mission, based on civilian certification, safety and long-term operational sovereignty.”

AirPro News analysis

We observe that a major driving force behind Deutsche Aircraft’s portfolio expansion is the growing mandate among European agencies to achieve local technical sovereignty. By keeping the industrialization, parts production, system integration, and commercial delivery of the uncrewed program entirely within Germany, the manufacturer ensures that critical industrial knowledge remains within the European region.

Furthermore, geopolitical volatility has clearly spurred a surge in government demand for multi-role aircraft configurations. Industry data indicates that approximately 30% of the global Dornier 328 fleet already operates in non-civil roles. As governments and defense agencies increasingly seek turnkey, mixed-fleet solutions, the combination of crewed and uncrewed assets offers a compelling value proposition: lower operating costs, the benefits of civilian certification, and the agility to adapt to rapidly changing mission parameters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When and where is ILA Berlin 2026 taking place?
ILA Berlin 2026 is scheduled to take place from June 10 to June 14, 2026, at the Berlin ExpoCenter Airport. Deutsche Aircraft will be exhibiting at Booth C-342.

What is the D328® Multi Role (MR)?
The D328MR is a civil-certified, commercial off-the-shelf turboprop aircraft designed for public-sector missions, including ISR, search and rescue, and medical evacuation. It features interchangeable cabin modules and short-field performance capabilities.

How does the crewed-uncrewed teaming concept work?
In this configuration, the crewed D328MR acts as the primary mission command and hardware platform, while a complementary uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) conducts wide-area data gathering and surveillance, extending the overall operational range.

Sources: Deutsche Aircraft Press Release

On May 26, 2026, Hanwha Aerospace and the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) officially launched a joint development program to produce South Korea’s first indigenous 4,500-pound-force (lbf) turbofan engine. According to the official press release, the engine is targeted for operational deployment by 2029 and is designed primarily to power Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

We note that this initiative represents a critical milestone in South Korea’s pursuit of aerospace self-sufficiency. Historically reliant on foreign military engines, Seoul is now positioning itself as a top-tier player in the rapidly expanding global market for autonomous military systems, aiming to end its dependence on external supply chains.

Technical Specifications and Innovations

The 100 kW Embedded Starter-Generator

The new high-bypass turbofan engine will generate 4,500 lbf (2,040 kg) of thrust. While optimized for military UAVs, the program details note that the engine maintains a dual-use architecture, meaning it could eventually be adapted for civil aviation applications such as small commercial business jets.

A major technical innovation highlighted in the development plan is the inclusion of an embedded starter-generator. Rather than utilizing a traditional external unit, the generator will be integrated directly onto the engine’s rotating shaft. According to industry research, this design choice significantly reduces the overall weight of the engine, thereby improving flight performance and efficiency.

Crucially, this embedded generator is designed to reliably supply up to 100 kilowatts (kW) of electrical power. Defense analysts emphasize that this high power output is essential for modern autonomous combat aircraft, which require substantial electricity to run advanced artificial intelligence computing, sensor arrays, radar systems, and electronic warfare systems.

Strategic Funding and Market Implications

A Billion-Dollar Investment in Autonomy

The project is being led by Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea’s largest defense conglomerate, in collaboration with KASA, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), various universities, and domestic subcontractors.

Financial commitments to the program are substantial. According to industry reports, KASA has allocated approximately 900 billion won (roughly $650 million) in state funding between 2026 and 2029 for this next-generation dual-use aircraft engine program. In tandem, Hanwha Aerospace plans to invest an additional 750 billion won (approximately $498 million) to build out a comprehensive drone engine portfolio.

This 4,500-lbf engine is part of a broader government-backed UAV propulsion strategy. Hanwha is also reportedly developing a 5,500-lbf low-bypass turbofan for low-observable unmanned wingman aircraft, as well as core technologies for a 10,000-lbf turbofan intended for larger stealth platforms.

AirPro News analysis

We view this combined investment of over $1.1 billion as a clear declaration of aerospace independence by South Korea. Currently, the domestically built KF-21 Boramae fighter jet relies on the American General Electric F414 engine. By developing an indigenous turbofan, South Korea mitigates the vulnerability of potential export restrictions and strengthens the resilience of its national defense supply chain.

Furthermore, securing domestic technology for the “heart of the unmanned fighter” positions South Korea to capture a significant share of the global CCA market. Industry forecasts expect the CCA market to exceed 3,000 units by the 2040s. If Hanwha successfully produces a reliable and affordable turbofan by 2029, South Korea will possess a highly lucrative export product for allied nations developing their own drone programs.

Liselotte Odgaard, a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, noted that Seoul’s attempt to indigenize this complex drone technology should be viewed as a “deliberate bid to enter the top tier of UAV producers.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)?

The Collaborative Combat Aircraft concept represents a major shift in military aviation. Instead of deploying manned fighters alone, the CCA model pairs them with AI-powered “loyal wingman” drones that can scout ahead, jam enemy radars, or carry additional munitions to support the primary manned aircraft.

Why do modern drones require 100 kW of electrical power?

As aircraft become increasingly “electrified,” they rely on power-hungry onboard electronics. A 100 kW output is necessary to support the intense computing requirements of artificial intelligence, as well as advanced sensors, radar systems, and electronic warfare equipment required on the modern aerial battlefield.

Sources

• aunches-uav-engine-development-program-with-korea-aerospace-administration.do”>Hanwha Aerospace Press Release
• Industry Research Report

This article is based on an official press release from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).

On May 27, 2026, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced the successful completion of a major flight test demonstrating advanced Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). The exercise paired an F-35 Lightning II fighter jet system with an uncrewed MQ-20 Avenger drone, which acted as a surrogate for the U.S. Air Force’s future Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

According to the official press release, the test successfully validated the hardware, software, and communication networks required to allow a human pilot to command a semi-autonomous drone in real-time. This marks a significant milestone in the Air Force’s push toward integrating AI-driven “loyal wingmen” into combat operations.

The demonstration was a joint effort involving GA-ASI, the F-35 Joint Program Office, Lockheed Martin, Autonodyne, and several U.S. Air-Forces units, including the 309th Software Engineering Group, 461st Flight Test Squadron, and 370th Flight Test Squadron.

Executing the Manned-Unmanned Teaming Demonstration

During the demonstration, the F-35 remained on the ground while the MQ-20 Avenger was airborne. The F-35 pilot used a tablet in the cockpit to send tactical autonomy commands to the MQ-20 via a “Bashi Pilot Vehicle Interface,” according to the provided research report.

The MQ-20 successfully received the commands, executed tactical maneuvers, and adjusted its waypoints. Furthermore, the drone transmitted critical autonomous responses, including ADS-B track data, location, altitude, and velocity, back to the F-35 pilot.

Building on Previous Milestones

This demonstration builds upon previous tests conducted in October 2025 and February 2026. During those earlier exercises, an Air Force F-22 Raptor pilot successfully controlled an MQ-20 Avenger, laying the groundwork for this most recent F-35 integration.

The Technological Backbone: TacACE and A-GRA

The success of the demonstration relied on several cutting-edge software and communication frameworks. The MQ-20 was equipped with GA-ASI’s proprietary Tactical Autonomy Ecosystem (TacACE) software. In previous tests, TacACE has demonstrated the ability to support autonomous mission execution, cooperative targeting, and stealthy “sensor-to-shooter” kill chains.

TacACE is built upon the U.S. Air Force’s Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA). A-GRA is a government-owned, modular open-systems framework designed to standardize mission autonomy across different platforms. By decoupling the software from the vehicle hardware, A-GRA prevents “vendor lock” and allows the Air Force to rapidly integrate algorithms from various defense contractors.

Additionally, the aircraft were linked using Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications. The test proved the ability of both platforms to utilize a tactical proliferated low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite data link to achieve seamless coordination.

Contextualizing the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Program

The MQ-20 Avenger has served as a surrogate testbed for the CCA program for over five years, allowing the Air Force and GA-ASI to refine autonomy software and MUM-T concepts. The CCA program is designed to address the operational problem that crewed fighters alone cannot generate sufficient combat mass. These semi-autonomous drones are intended to fly alongside crewed fighters, acting as force multipliers for strike, air-to-air, and intelligence missions.

The Air Force is currently moving toward production for “Increment 1” of the CCA program. The service has requested nearly $1 billion in its FY2027 budget to initiate procurement of the first batch of these drones, estimated between 100 and 150 aircraft. GA-ASI is one of the primary finalists for Increment 1 with its YFQ-42A, recently named “Dark Merlin,” which began flight testing in August 2025.

“This significant warfighter integration milestone is the beginning of operational readiness for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft and demonstrates the near-term opportunities for force integration. Events like these drive home GA-ASI’s continued commitment to adoption of next-generation data links, mission autonomy, and unmanned air combat operations.”

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the successful pairing of a 5th-generation fighter’s interface with an autonomous drone proves that the “loyal wingman” concept is moving rapidly from theory to operational reality. The ability to control an uncrewed asset from a fighter cockpit via satellite data links represents a critical leap in combat networking.

Furthermore, the use of the A-GRA framework highlights a massive shift in defense procurement. The military is increasingly buying hardware and software separately, forcing traditional defense contractors to adapt to a highly competitive, open-architecture ecosystem rather than relying on proprietary, closed systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)?

MUM-T is a military concept where crewed aircraft (like an F-35) and uncrewed autonomous drones (like the MQ-20) operate together in a synchronized manner, sharing data and executing coordinated tactical maneuvers.

What is the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program?

The CCA program is a U.S. Air Force initiative to develop jet-powered, semi-autonomous drones that will fly alongside crewed fighters. They are designed to be affordable, capable, and numerous, acting as force multipliers in combat scenarios.

Why was the MQ-20 Avenger used in this test?

The MQ-20 Avenger serves as a surrogate testbed. It allows the Air Force and defense contractors to test and refine the autonomy software and communication links that will eventually be installed in the actual CCA airframes, such as GA-ASI’s YFQ-42A “Dark Merlin.”

Sources

• General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)