MHI Unveils AI-Enabled Combat Drones: Japan Advances Defense with Manned-Unmanned Teaming
Image Credit: 八重ナギ @ X
At the Japan International Aerospace event held in Tokyo on October 16, 2024, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) presented two groundbreaking concepts of artificial intelligence-enabled collaborative combat aircraft (CCA). These concepts aim to bolster Japan's defense capabilities, highlighting the country's push towards advanced unmanned aerial systems capable of supporting future air combat operations.
The first concept introduced by MHI is a tactical combat support drone. Showcased as a 1:10-scale model, this drone is designed to carry out a variety of missions, including taking off from land, executing air-to-ground strikes, engaging aerial threats, and returning to base. The versatility of this concept, which includes capabilities such as integration of air-to-ground missiles, electronic warfare systems, and advanced phased-array radar, underscores its tactical value for modern warfare.
The second concept is an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) combat support drone, measuring approximately six meters (19 feet) in length. Designated as the ARMDC-20X—short for “Affordable Rapid Prototype Missile Drone Concept”—this system focuses on cost-effectiveness, adaptability, and rapid prototyping. The “X” in its designation signifies its ongoing development status.
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Key Features and Capabilities of MHI's Combat Drones
Both drone models are designed with stealth features, open architecture, and AI capabilities that can be updated to adapt to different mission requirements. These concepts also reflect a broader trend toward manned-unmanned teaming, which allows unmanned systems to work alongside crewed aircraft, enhancing mission effectiveness.
One notable aspect of the new drones is their emphasis on cost-efficient production. The design philosophy prioritizes creating expendable systems, which means they are meant to withstand combat losses, making them ideal for high-risk environments where attrition is expected.
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Live Demonstration of CCA Capabilities
During the event, a video demonstration illustrated the practical application of these drone concepts. In the simulation, a CCA identified and relayed the presence of a threat resembling the Chinese Chengdu J-20 aircraft to a crewed fighter jet. The Chengdu J-20 is a fifth-generation stealth fighter, often considered one of China's most advanced aircraft, posing a significant challenge to regional air defenses. This enhanced the pilot's situational awareness, allowing the fighter to command the drone to engage and neutralize the enemy target.
Japan's Defense and Equipment Agency has contracted MHI to conduct flight demonstrations of these drones by 2025. This ambitious timeline reflects Japan's urgency in developing and deploying advanced unmanned systems as a response to rising regional tensions.
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A Strategic Push for Manned-Unmanned Teaming
Japan's broader strategy includes enhancing its defense capabilities through manned-unmanned teaming, a technology that allows drones to cooperate seamlessly with manned fighter jets. For example, the United States has successfully tested similar efforts, such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, where drones operate alongside F-35 fighters to carry out reconnaissance and combat support missions. The Loyal Wingman program, on the other hand, is an initiative led by Australia to develop drones that work in collaboration with manned aircraft. This approach is particularly significant given Japan's strategic focus on countering the numerical superiority of potential adversaries in the region. By allowing drones to share some of the operational burdens of fighter aircraft, the survival rate of human pilots can be significantly improved while also bridging capability gaps.
The cost-effectiveness of deploying drones as opposed to full-fledged fighter jets offers additional advantages, making these systems an attractive option for modernizing defense forces without incurring prohibitive costs. MHI's research and development efforts in this domain have been in progress since 2022, with recent bids for safety evaluation and simulation services further solidifying its commitment.
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Collaboration with Other Defense Giants
The Japanese defense sector is also seeing contributions from other major players. Kawasaki Heavy Industries and SUBARU have joined the efforts, focusing on research prototypes, operational effects, and cost structure considerations for combat support drones. Collectively, these initiatives are geared towards developing a cohesive system where drones can collaborate effectively with crewed fighter jets, further enhancing Japan's air combat capabilities.
Japan's focus on this technology mirrors trends seen in other nations, such as the United States, where similar collaborative combat aircraft are being developed to accompany military aircraft like F-35 fighters and B-21 bombers. These CCAs are envisioned as versatile support units, capable of reconnaissance, communication, and combat roles.
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Japan’s Path Forward in Defense Collaboration
In addition to developing these AI-enabled combat drones, Japan has committed to several international collaborations aimed at enhancing its defense capabilities. Notably, Japan is working alongside the United Kingdom and Italy on the Global Combat Air Programme to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter, anticipated for completion by 2035. Additionally, Japan is set to collaborate with the United States on a “drone wingman” project, furthering its capabilities in manned-unmanned teaming.
The unveiling of these drone concepts by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries marks a significant step forward in Japan's efforts to enhance its defense technology amid growing security challenges. With ongoing collaborations, a focus on AI, and an emphasis on cost-effective and adaptive solutions, Japan is poised to play a leading role in the development of advanced unmanned aerial systems.
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Source: Yahoo! News
