IRIA News

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Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has unveiled two new concepts for artificial intelligence-enabled Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) at the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition 2024. The designs reflect Japan’s growing focus on cutting-edge, unmanned aerial combat technology to enhance defense capabilities amid increasing regional tensions, particularly with China.

The two aircraft concepts, each distinct in their design and operational role, are envisioned as “loyal wingmen” capable of supporting Japan’s next-generation manned fighter jets in various tactical situations. This development aligns with Japan’s broader objectives in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a joint initiative with the United Kingdom and Italy to create advanced stealth fighter technology.

MHI displayed two separate CCA models, each offering unique support capabilities for the battlefield. The first model, represented by a 1:10-scale mockup, is a tactical combat support drone. This model demonstrates the ability to perform a full combat mission: take-off, target engagement, and return to base. Designed for land-based operations, it offers a practical, low-cost solution for various offensive tasks.

The second concept dubbed the “ARMDC-20X” (Affordable Rapid Prototype Missile Drone Concept), is approximately six meters in length and serves a different purpose. The ARMDC-20X is a specialized intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drone engineered to detect, identify, and communicate threats back to crewed aircraft. This design integrates AI-based data-processing capabilities and leverages a networked sensor array to enhance situational awareness for manned fighters.

Both drones prioritize stealth features and are built using modular, open-architecture systems that can be easily upgraded. Additionally, MHI’s emphasis on low-cost production means these drones are “expendable,” a term used to indicate that they are designed with the expectation of potential loss in combat situations.

A centerpiece of MHI’s presentation was a video demonstration showcasing the CCA’s combat capabilities. In the simulation, the CCA detects and identifies an incoming threat—modeled after China’s fifth-generation Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter jet. Using a data link, the CCA relays information to a crewed fighter jet, enhancing the pilot’s situational awareness. The pilot then commands the CCA to launch an air-to-air missile from its internal payload bay to neutralize the hostile aircraft.

This demonstration highlights the potential of manned-unmanned teaming in high-stakes combat scenarios. The “loyal wingman” concept, where autonomous systems operate alongside crewed fighter jets, has gained momentum globally as a cost-effective and strategic way to enhance mission success rates and improve pilot safety.

Mitsubishi and GCPA

From Japan’s side, MHI has been playing a key role under GCAP, working to create a sixth-generation fighter jet as a new standard in global air combat capabilities. The joint fighter will likely incorporate unmanned adjuncts like MHI’s CCAs and advanced sensor networks powered by artificial intelligence.

Although the showcased CCA systems are not directly or officially a part of the GCAP agreement, MHI has confirmed that these drones will be designed with GCAP in mind. By 2035, when GCAP’s first fighters are anticipated to enter service, MHI envisions a fully operational suite of CCA drones ready to support Japan’s defense needs.

At the Japan International Aerospace Exhibition, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and BAE Systems alongside Italy’s Leonardo showcased uncrewed systems that may integrate with the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), which aims to develop a next-generation twin-engine fighter jet to replace Japan’s F-2s and the UK’s and Italy’s Eurofighters. As Japan, Britain, and Italy move into the full development phase of this multibillion-dollar initiative, participating companies are also advancing AI-enabled drones designed to operate alongside the sixth-generation aircraft.

Japan’s investment in advanced unmanned aerial systems like the ARMDC-20X comes as regional security concerns mount. China’s increasing military presence and development of stealth capabilities, such as the J-20 Mighty Dragon, have prompted Japan to enhance its military capabilities. Japan is wary of becoming entangled in a potential conflict in the Indo-Pacific region, where it seeks to maintain a stable power balance.

In response to these challenges, Japan has been ramping up its defense collaborations, particularly with the United States. In early 2024, U.S. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall confirmed that the U.S. would welcome Japan’s participation in the U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. By collaborating with allies, Japan aims to develop a highly capable autonomous combat fleet driven by AI, positioning itself as a key player in regional defense alliances.

Future testing of Collaborative Combat Aircraft

MHI has already secured a government contract to begin demonstration flights of its CCAs by 2025, with a planned test-bed demonstration flight scheduled for next year. As the CCA program progresses, MHI officials anticipate that AI technologies will play an increasingly vital role in drone functionality and adaptability.

Currently in its conceptual stage, the final design for these drones is yet to be finalized. However, MHI remains optimistic that by 2035, its CCAs will be fully integrated into Japan’s defense network as a critical component of the country’s strategic and technological response to evolving security dynamics.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ unveiling of these AI-driven collaborative aircraft marks a significant milestone in Japan’s defense innovation efforts. As global interest in autonomous combat aircraft grows, Japan’s focus on robust, adaptable, and expendable drone technology underscores its commitment to safeguarding national security in an era of rapid technological advancement and intensifying geopolitical challenges.