Berlin, 5 June 2024 – Airbus Defence and Space has announced a collaboration with Helsing, a leading defence AI and software company in Europe, through a framework cooperation agreement signed at the ILA aerospace trade show in Berlin. This partnership will focus on developing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for the future Wingman system, an unmanned fighter-type aircraft designed to operate alongside existing combat jets, receiving commands from pilots in command aircraft such as the Eurofighter.
At the ILA, Airbus is also unveiling its Wingman concept for the first time. Responding to the increased operational demands from the German Air Force, the Wingman aims to enhance the capabilities of manned combat aircraft through uncrewed platforms capable of carrying weapons and other effectors.
Mike Schoellhorn, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, emphasized the importance of air superiority, stating, “The current conflicts on Europe’s borders show how important air superiority is. Manned-Unmanned Teaming will play a central role in achieving air superiority: With an unmanned Wingman at their side, fighter pilots can operate outside the danger zone. They give the orders and always have the decision-making authority. Supported by AI, the wingman then takes over the dangerous tasks, including target reconnaissance and destruction or electronic jamming and deception of enemy air defense systems.”
Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO at Helsing, added, “Whilst we will always have a human in the loop, we must realize that the most dangerous parts of an unmanned mission will see a high degree of autonomy and thus require AI. From the processing of data from sensors over the optimization of sub-systems to closing the loop on system-level: software-defined capabilities and AI will be a critical component of the Wingman system for the German Air Force.”
As part of the AI agreement, Airbus will leverage its expertise in Manned-Unmanned Teaming as the prime contractor for significant European defense programs, including the Eurofighter and the A400M military transporter. Helsing will contribute its AI stack, providing crucial software-defined mission capabilities, such as sensor fusion and electronic warfare algorithms.
For more details about the Wingman, visit here.
Photo: Michael Schoellhorn, CEO at Airbus Defence and Space (on the left), and Gundbert Scherf, Co-CEO at Helsing, in front of the Airbus Wingman model.
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Source: Airbus Defence and Space (2024-06-04)
