10 combat loyal wingman drones built to scout and protect fighter jets

The article discusses the emergence of loyal wingman drones—Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets to enhance air combat capabilities. These autonomous drones extend the reach and effectiveness of manned aircraft by performing surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and precision strikes, thereby reducing risks to human pilots. The integration of manned and unmanned systems is expected to transform air combat tactics, improving flexibility and survivability for air forces. Several prominent loyal wingman programs are highlighted. The US-developed Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie, operational since 2019, supports F-22 and F-35 fighters with advanced autonomy, swarm coordination, and a versatile payload capacity. Australia’s Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat, developed with the Royal Australian Air Force, is a stealthy, multi-role drone capable of autonomous or manned accompaniment missions, equipped with infrared sensors and adaptable payload bays. Russia’s Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B