In a move echoing U.S. “loyal wingman” doctrine, Saab and Airbus have confirmed exploratory cooperation to develop unmanned combat-aircraft meant to escort and fight alongside existing frontline fighters like Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab JAS 39 Gripen E. Rather than replace manned jets, these drone wingmen will serve as expendable, high-risk assets sensors, electronic-warfare platforms, missile trucks that absorb the danger while preserving pilot survivability. For NATO-aligned air forces, this

299K views · 423 shares | Check out #LoyalWingman’s maiden flight! Together with Royal Australian Air Force, our Australian team created, built and completed the first test flight in three years. This smart, uncrewed aircraft works as part of a human-machine team to protect other piloted aircraft. | The Boeing Company | Facebook

157K views · 2.7K reactions | San Francisco-based aviation start-up Xwing says it has successfully used its advanced autopilot system in test flights to take off, fly and land a plane, all without a pilot. | Reuters | Facebook