A stealth F-35A Lightning II successfully carried out a precision strike against a target designated by a small quadcopter drone, in a test conducted by the U.S. startup PDW.
During the demonstration, the C100 quadcopter equipped with a laser designator illuminated a target 2 km away, enabling the F-35A to release GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs with extreme accuracy.
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According to experts, the integration between manned fighters and small drones could transform modern air operations. In this model, the UAV performs terrain reconnaissance and target designation, while the combat aircraft safely carries out the weapons strike.
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This approach significantly reduces risks for the pilot, as the fighter does not need to directly expose itself to enemy defenses. It also expands tactical flexibility, allowing fast and coordinated strikes in highly complex scenarios.
Innovation in Air Combat
The success of the test reinforces the trend toward man-machine cooperation in the military field, where next-generation aircraft such as the F-35A operate alongside smaller drones to maximize combat effectiveness.
Future test phases are expected to explore not only the use of reconnaissance drones but also swarms of UAVs capable of enhancing detection and support in strategic missions.
Source and images: X @PDW_ai. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
