manned-unmanned teaming • Page 2 of 3

Jun- 2025 -

10 June

Air

U.S. Air Force Col. Joshua M. Biedermann, left, 53rd Test and Evaluation Group commander, passes the unit guidon to Lt. Col. Matthew W. Jensen, inaugural commander of the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU), during the EOU activation ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, June 5, 2025. The transfer of the guidon formally established the new unit under Jensen’s leadership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael Sanders)

US Air Force Launches Experimental Operations Unit

The US Air Force (USAF)'s 53rd Wing has activated a new unit that will evaluate the progress of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.

3 June

Air

The Royal Navy's Merlin helicopter flying above the Puma drone over the ocean

Christine Casimiro

Royal Navy Merlin Sub-Hunter Deploys Drone as ‘Flying Eyes’ in Historic First

As part of the UK’s broader push for manned-unmanned teaming, the Royal Navy’s Merlin Mk2 helicopter relied on a drone during a trial for the first time.

May- 2025 -

27 May

Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion

Christine Casimiro

UK Shifts to ‘20-40-40’ Military Strategy Prioritizing Uncrewed Combat

The British Army intends to adopt a military strategy shifting from reliance on conventional military assets to drones and autonomous systems, British daily The Times reported.

2 May

Air

Concepts of the uncrewed fighter aircraft YFQ-42A (bottom) and the YFQ-44A are pictured in artwork. The aircraft are designed to leverage autonomous capabilities and crewed-uncrewed teaming to defeat enemy threats in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force artwork courtesy of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and Anduril Industries)

Juster Domingo

US Begins Ground Tests for Collaborative Combat Aircraft Drones

The US Air Force has begun ground testing for two unmanned combat aerial vehicles developed under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

Apr- 2025 -

24 April

Asia Pacific

Aerial view of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan yard

Christine Casimiro

Hyundai Heavy Industries, S. Korea Navy to Develop Combat Drone Boats

The South Korean Navy has contracted HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to develop a combat unmanned surface vehicle (USV).

Mar- 2025 -

28 March

Europe

Inder Singh Bisht

France Simulates Drone Control From Military Helicopter

The French defense procurement agency has conducted simulation tests to assess interoperability between a helicopter crew and drones.

5 March

Drones - Latest News, Features & Expert Opinion

Christine Casimiro

USAF ‘Loyal Wingmen’ Receive Fighter Drone Designations for First Time

The US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program prototypes have been given fighter drone designations, a first in the service’s history.

Jan- 2025 -

23 January

Air