Airbus Defence and Space will partner with Helsing to develop artificial intelligence technologies for the Wingman platform, an unmanned fighter-type aircraft being developed for Germany.
The two companies, which announced the agreement at the Berlin Air Show on Wednesday, will use advanced AI capabilities to pair manned and unmanned military aircraft.
Under the deal, Airbus will rely on its aircraft teaming expertise while Helsing will contribute its AI stack of software-defined mission capabilities, such as combined sensors and algorithms for electronic warfare.
According to Airbus Defence and Space CEO Mike Schoellhorn, the collaboration will support the Wingman program’s objective of giving the German Air Force air superiority and allowing fighter pilots to operate outside the danger zone.
“Supported by AI, the Wingman then takes over the dangerous tasks, including target reconnaissance and destruction or electronic jamming and deception of enemy air defense systems,” he said.
Helsing Co-CEO Gundbert Scherf added that AI and software-defined capabilities will be key components of the Wingman system.
Airbus also unveiled the Wingman aircraft concept in Berlin, which Schoellhorn said will initially prioritize a modular design to accommodate additional functions and features in later phases of the development.
Airbus said it envisions the platform as operating with existing fighters and complementing their combat capabilities.