AI-piloted 'loyal wingman' drones dominated the Berlin airshow as Airbus, Boeing, Helsing, and General Atomics competed for European military contracts. The concept pairs cheap autonomous aircraft with expensive crewed fighters to multiply pilot effectiveness and absorb battlefield risk. Airbus unveiled its U760 Ravenstorm alongside a near-term U740 Valkyrie variant targeting German service by 2029. Helsing, a Munich software firm valued at €12bn, argues that software is the decisive component of modern combat aircraft. None of the competing designs are in frontline service yet, but Europe's post-Ukraine rearmament push is driving urgent demand for sovereign autonomous air capability.
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