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

11K views · 344 reactions | Watch Boeing's unmanned military aircraft doing its first test flight in South Australia. The Loyal Wingman is the first military aircraft to be designed and manufactured in Australia in more than 50 years. It will be assembled in Queensland, delivering high-skilled jobs and a big boost for Queensland suppliers. | Annastacia Palaszczuk | 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