A model of Boeing’s new unmanned aircraft on display in Avalon, Australia, on Wednesday. Photo: jamie freed/Reuters
WSJ: Boeing Teams With Australia On New Fighter Drone
The Loyal Wingman is designed to protect piloted aircraft and carry out surveillance missions.
Boeing Co. has teamed up with Australia’s military to develop a combat drone almost as big as a fighter jet, intensifying a global arms race that has seen China and Russia add new stealth and uncrewed aircraft to their fleets.
The move marks another bet by Boeing on potential export sales as the Pentagon has yet to commit to this type of aircraft, though defense analysts said large, cheaper drones could disrupt sales of existing piloted combat jets.
Boeing last year won three big Pentagon contracts after opting to take initial upfront losses that it aims to recoup in part with higher export sales, boosting the growth profile of its defense unit.
The so-called Loyal Wingman drone unveiled Wednesday builds on this strategy and is set to fly for the first time next year in Australia, operating either autonomously or under the direction of a pilot in an accompanying aircraft.
Australia wants the drone to protect warplanes such as the Lockheed Martin Corp. F-35 fighter, a cornerstone of the country’s $150 billion upgrade of its armed forces and a key aircraft for the U.S. and a number of allies.
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Update: Boeing’s autonomous fighter jet could arrive next year (Endgadget)
WNU Editor: Boeing is betting on export markets.