Opinion | Why Manned-Unmanned Aircraft Teaming is the Future

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has announced that flight testing of India's 'Loyal Wingman' warrior drone would begin by 2024. The loyal wingman drones will accompany manned Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets. They may be launched from a mother aircraft like the C-130, Jaguar or Su-30 MKI class fighters. They would thereafter be controlled by the fighter through a secure data link. HAL had first displayed a loyal wingman mock-up at their pavilion in Aero India 2021. The indigenous Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) will also have private sector players. Manned-Unmanned Teaming as a Concept The maturing of unmanned aerial…