At the ILA Berlin airshow in June 2026, defense manufacturers unveiled new models of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), unmanned drones designed to operate as AI-powered wingmen alongside manned fighter jets. These systems are being developed by several European and US companies in response to lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Key features include autonomous flight capabilities, sensor fusion, and the ability to carry air-to-air missiles or electronic warfare payloads. The drones are intended to reduce risk to human pilots and enhance combat effectiveness in contested environments.
European defense officials emphasized that the CCA programs are part of a broader push to modernize NATO air forces, with initial operational capability expected by the early 2030s. The Berlin airshow served as a platform for showcasing mock-ups and concept videos, though specific technical specifications remain classified.
