Dassault combat drone vs Airbus DS: the battle of the European Loyal Wingmen is launched
If France and Germany, Dassault Aviation and Airbus DS, actively cooperate in the design of the FCAS program, they nonetheless remain competitors regarding current programs, Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, in particular.
While the date of entry into service of the new 6th generation European fighter tends to slip from 2040 to 2045, or even 2050, depending on the sources, the need to equip Rafale and Eurofighter which they will replace, new capabilities allowing engagement in a heavily contested environment, have convinced Armies and Air Forces and industrialists, on both sides of the Rhine, to engage in the development of combat drones.
Regarding the design of heavy combat drones, or Loyal Wingmen, which will accompany French and German aircraft, these are precisely the two industrialists, also partners within FCAS, and rivals with the Rafale and Typhoon, Dassault aviation and Airbus DS, which are in charge of this mission.