WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Marine Corps has selected Northrop Grumman and Kratos to develop the Marine Corps Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR), an unmanned collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) designed to operate alongside manned fighters such as the F-35.

Under the agreement, Northrop will provide a mission kit and open-architecture software for Kratos’s existing VX-58 Valkyrie platform. The initial award totals $231.5 million over two years and is being executed through an Other Transaction Authority (OTA), affording faster development outside traditional acquisition pathways.

While the Air Force has led higher-profile collaborative combat aircraft efforts, the Marine Corps requested $58 million in its latest budget request to pursue its own capability tailored to expeditionary operations.

Commandant Gen. Eric Smith has emphasized the importance of manned-unmanned teaming across domains, including future Marine Expeditionary Units. The Valkyrie has already been evaluated through Marine Corps experimentation efforts, with lessons learned feeding directly into the MUX TACAIR program.

Source: Defense One
Associated URL: https://www.defenseone.com/technology/2026/01/marine-corps-picks-industry-team-create-robot-wingman-its-own/410549/?oref=d1-featured-river-secondary
Author: Meghann Myers 

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) has reached a key milestone in integrating the F-35 Lightning II with the U.S. Navy’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) through a recent tactical demonstration in its Joint Simulation Environment (JSE).

The event showcased how advanced modeling and simulation can accelerate the development of tactics for fifth-generation fighters operating alongside uncrewed combat systems. During the demonstration, F-35 pilots used touch-screen tablets to command multiple CCAs in complex, highly realistic simulated missions, employing advanced communications and precision-guided weapons against sophisticated threats.

The JSE, a state-of-the-art digital test and training range developed by NAWCAD, allows pilots to conduct more sorties in a virtual environment than is possible on open-air ranges, improving readiness while reducing risk. CCAs are a central element of the Navy’s future force structure, designed to enhance crewed aircraft effectiveness in contested environments. NAWCAD plans to further expand the JSE by integrating additional platforms, including the E-2D, F/A-18E/F, and EA-18G, beginning in fiscal year 2026.

Source: NAVAIR
Associated URL: https://www.navair.navy.mil/news/F-35-pilots-and-Navy-Collaborative-Combat-Aircraft-hone-tactics-Joint-Simulation-Environment
Author: NAVAIR 

LONDON - Babcock International and Frankenburg Technologies have agreed to collaborate on the potential development of a maritime air defence system designed to counter one way attack drones, reflecting growing military concern over low cost unmanned threats.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to examine a containerised launch platform that would deploy Frankenburg’s low cost missiles. The concept is intended to provide a comparatively affordable, kinetic defence option for naval forces and for the protection of fixed sites such as ports and other critical infrastructure.

Under the proposed collaboration, Babcock would focus on integrating the system into a maritime ready platform, while Frankenburg would supply missiles designed for rapid, high volume production. The partners say the system is aimed at defending against mass drone attacks rather than traditional high end air threats, a shift driven by the widespread battlefield use of inexpensive one way attack drones.

The companies indicated that engineering work would be led from the United Kingdom, with an emphasis on developing domestic industrial capability and creating skilled jobs. Any resulting system would also be positioned for export to allied markets, particularly in Europe, where concerns over drone attacks on military and civilian infrastructure have increased since the war in Ukraine.

No development timeline, contract value, or government customer has been announced, and the agreement does not commit either company to a production programme. The memorandum establishes a framework for joint studies and potential system development rather than a confirmed procurement effort.

The collaboration highlights how defence companies are adjusting to the operational and economic challenge posed by cheap, expendable drones. Traditional naval air defence systems rely on expensive interceptors that are poorly matched to low cost threats. Efforts to field simpler, scalable C-UAS solutions could influence future naval force design and procurement priorities, particularly for countries seeking affordable ways to protect ships and infrastructure against mass attacks.

Source: Forecast International
Associated URL: https://www.babcockinternational.com