Concept art of Airbus’ Ravenstorm drone in flight. The drone is visually similar to US and Australian designs for “loyal wingman” drones. (Courtesy of Airbus)

Airbus Is Getting into the ‘Loyal Wingman’ Drone Business

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The “Ravenstorm” drone is intended to stay competitive with America’s drone entries—but Europe is well behind the curve on manned-unmanned aircraft teaming.

European aerospace giant Airbus recently unveiled its new U760 Ravenstorm Uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (UCCA) at the ILA Berlin 2026 airshow. The new drone, which Airbus hopes will enter service in the early 2030s, is designed to perform air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and electronic warfare.

The drone represents Europe’s latest attempt to join the global race to field “loyal wingman” drones—aerial drones designed specifically to work alongside manned fighter aircraft, supplementing their performance. The Ravenstorm suggests that Europe is moving toward the same future as the US, China, and Australia: where fighter aircraft operate alongside autonomous drone teammates.

About Airbus’ “Ravenstorm” Drone

Year Introduced: Not yet introduced (prototype phase); anticipated 2035

Number Built: Unknown........

© The National Interest