We’re all fired up! Our Boeing Australia team worked with the Royal Australian Air Force to complete the first start of the Loyal Wingman’s engine. The unmanned aircraft is the first military aircraft designed and made in Australia in over 50 years. The aircraft will continue ground testing and preparations for first flight. #AirpowerTeaming | The Boeing Company

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