"Taking Aim at” J-20 Stealth Jet-Like Platform, Mitsubishi of Japan Reveals Combat Support Drone Concept Video

 

"Taking Aim at” J-20 Stealth Jet-Like Platform, Mitsubishi of Japan Reveals Combat Support Drone Concept Video 

Moving ahead with the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) of Japan has introduced conceptual designs for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to be utilized alongside Japan's upcoming fighter jet. 

Within the framework of GCAP, Japan, Italy, and the UK are collaborating on a next-generation fighter aircraft. MHI serves as the primary system integrator for the GCAP in collaboration with BAE Systems and Leonardo, representatives from the United Kingdom and Italy, respectively. The proposed combat air system will feature a manned fighter aircraft supported by unmanned "adjuncts," including drones, advanced sensors, and interconnected data systems powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The concept designs, a product of MHI's AI-driven Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) concept, were revealed by the contractor at the International Aerospace Exhibition 2024 hosted at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake. MHI introduced two distinct models: an 'expendable ISR variant' and a 'tactical combat variant.' For the first time, MHI showcased a life-size mock-up of the 'ARMDC-20X,' a disposable platform developed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes. This variant is tasked with detecting, identifying, and relaying threats to the crewed next-generation aircraft. At the exhibition, MHI showcased a 1:10-scale model of a tactical combat CCA with an internal payload compartment. The unveiling of these loyal wingman drones highlights the increasing interest in the concept of manned-unmanned teaming between fighter jets and autonomous aircraft. While the development of AI-driven unmanned systems is still early, Mitsubishi's video presentation at the event offered a glimpse into the concept.