Airbus Defence & Space is preparing a pair of Valkyrie drones for a test under the Unmanned Carrier Control Approach (UCCA) mission alongside Eurofighter aircraft for the German Air Force. The effort targets delivery of a loyal wingman capability before the end of the decade, enabling the unmanned assets to operate in combination with the service’s Eurofighter combat jets.
Details of planned updates include enhancements for manned-unmanned teaming, building on ongoing Eurofighter modernization programs. Germany recently ordered 20 new Eurofighters for production at Airbus’s Manching facility, with deliveries from 2031 to 2034. These aircraft will feature advanced E-Scan radars and Saab’s Arexis electronic warfare suite, integrated into both new and existing jets.
The loyal wingman development aligns with broader initiatives like the X-Platform Capability Study and System and Teaming Advanced Research, positioning Eurofighter as a testbed for Future Combat Air System technologies. Airbus is advancing the Wingman concept as an unmanned combat drone to accompany Eurofighters on high-risk missions, carrying weapons and effectors to extend manned fleet reach.
Separate upgrades for 15 Eurofighter EK variants include Arexis systems and AGM-88E missiles for electronic combat roles, with NATO certification by 2030.