Japan starts preparing fighter jet pilots for teaming with loyal wingman drones by testing Subaru’s new experimental UAV
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On July 9, 2025, Subaru delivered an experimental unmanned aerial vehicle to Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) as part of a research and development contract concerning remote-controlled support aircraft. The company was responsible for the complete design, manufacturing, and flight testing of the prototype prior to its handover. The vehicle will now be used in performance verification trials by ATLA, with Subaru providing technical assistance during the evaluation phase. The aircraft is equipped to support research on autonomous flight-path generation and in-flight remote-control capabilities from manned aircraft, aligning with the initial objectives outlined in ATLA’s research effort initiated in March 2020.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Subaru’s experimental UAV is intended to validate two main technologies: an autonomous flight-route generation system capable of calculating and adapting optimal paths, and a real-time control interface that enables pilots to manage UAV operations directly from the cockpit. (Picture source: Subaru)
The experimental unmanned aircraft delivered by Subaru is intended to validate two main technologies: an autonomous flight-route generation system capable of calculating and adapting optimal paths in response to changing mission environments, and a real-time control interface that enables pilots in crewed aircraft to manage UAV operations directly from the cockpit. These capabilities are expected to contribute to the development of formation flying between manned and unmanned platforms under tactical conditions. In August 2024, Subaru signed a technical support agreement with ATLA to assist in upcoming evaluation campaigns, confirming the transition from prototype construction to operational testing. This support includes data collection, analysis, and system refinement based on test results conducted at designated sites.
Subaru’s role in this program is based on over 50 years of UAV development, including early research on GPS-assisted autopilot systems in the early 2000s and collaboration with Japan Radio and NEDO that contributed to the adoption of ISO-standard drone collision avoidance protocols in 2023. The company, which transitioned from Fuji Heavy Industries to Subaru Corporation in 2017, has a background in fixed-wing aircraft production and related aerospace systems. Its involvement in this project follows earlier experience in autonomous navigation technology and safety compliance. The company’s support role under ATLA’s contract builds on its prior testing and production capabilities, positioning it to assist with integration and further development tasks during the program’s next phases.
This specific delivery is part of a longer-term ATLA roadmap for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), often referred to as loyal wingman development. The framework envisions a phased progression from UAVs controlled remotely by manned aircraft, to scenarios where one pilot manages multiple unmanned vehicles, with the final objective being the deployment of fully autonomous swarms operating without direct human input. The current prototype corresponds to the first phase of this plan. It is being used to establish a basis for autonomous UAV integration into air operations, particularly in coordination with crewed fighters. The program is aligned with broader ATLA projects involving fighter modernization, next-generation rotary-wing platforms, scramjet propulsion, indigenous UAV systems, and MUM-T.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) refers to the coordinated operation of manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles in a shared mission environment, allowing human pilots to supervise, command, or directly control UAVs during flight. This operational concept enhances mission flexibility by combining the strengths of both platforms: the situational awareness and decision-making of a human pilot with the persistence, expendability, and reach of unmanned systems. MUM-T is implemented across multiple levels of interoperability, ranging from basic data sharing to full remote piloting from the cockpit of a crewed aircraft. In military applications, MUM-T enables expanded surveillance coverage, more efficient targeting, and reduced risk to human operators, and is considered a core component of future air combat strategies in several defense planning frameworks.
Initial evaluation flights involving the prototype are expected to take place at airbases and training grounds in Kyushu and Northern Kyushu. These trials will assess the performance of autonomous navigation algorithms, cockpit-based control systems, and the UAV’s capacity to operate in formation with manned aircraft. Future test phases may include experimentation with communication relay functions, sensor integration, and multi-aircraft coordination. As part of the evaluation, ATLA will review technical parameters related to safety, response latency, and data transmission under operational conditions. Subaru will remain engaged under contract to provide technical support and hardware adaptation as necessary. The trial results are intended to inform subsequent system refinements and the potential development of more advanced UAVs for military support roles.
The strategic relevance of this program is consistent with Japan’s current focus on enhancing air defense capabilities through the integration of manned and unmanned systems. The ability to conduct cooperative missions using UAVs that are operated directly by crewed aircraft is expected to reduce operational strain on pilots and increase mission endurance. UAVs developed under this framework are also expected to serve in sensor and communications relay roles or support strike missions, depending on future payload and system integration outcomes. The program contributes to Japan’s overall defense posture by exploring options for distributed air operations and networked platforms in response to evolving regional security challenges. It is also being pursued in parallel with Japan’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and other bilateral research initiatives, including cooperation with the United States on artificial intelligence for UAV applications.
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On July 9, 2025, Subaru delivered an experimental unmanned aerial vehicle to Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) as part of a research and development contract concerning remote-controlled support aircraft. The company was responsible for the complete design, manufacturing, and flight testing of the prototype prior to its handover. The vehicle will now be used in performance verification trials by ATLA, with Subaru providing technical assistance during the evaluation phase. The aircraft is equipped to support research on autonomous flight-path generation and in-flight remote-control capabilities from manned aircraft, aligning with the initial objectives outlined in ATLA’s research effort initiated in March 2020.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Subaru’s experimental UAV is intended to validate two main technologies: an autonomous flight-route generation system capable of calculating and adapting optimal paths, and a real-time control interface that enables pilots to manage UAV operations directly from the cockpit. (Picture source: Subaru)
The experimental unmanned aircraft delivered by Subaru is intended to validate two main technologies: an autonomous flight-route generation system capable of calculating and adapting optimal paths in response to changing mission environments, and a real-time control interface that enables pilots in crewed aircraft to manage UAV operations directly from the cockpit. These capabilities are expected to contribute to the development of formation flying between manned and unmanned platforms under tactical conditions. In August 2024, Subaru signed a technical support agreement with ATLA to assist in upcoming evaluation campaigns, confirming the transition from prototype construction to operational testing. This support includes data collection, analysis, and system refinement based on test results conducted at designated sites.
Subaru’s role in this program is based on over 50 years of UAV development, including early research on GPS-assisted autopilot systems in the early 2000s and collaboration with Japan Radio and NEDO that contributed to the adoption of ISO-standard drone collision avoidance protocols in 2023. The company, which transitioned from Fuji Heavy Industries to Subaru Corporation in 2017, has a background in fixed-wing aircraft production and related aerospace systems. Its involvement in this project follows earlier experience in autonomous navigation technology and safety compliance. The company’s support role under ATLA’s contract builds on its prior testing and production capabilities, positioning it to assist with integration and further development tasks during the program’s next phases.
This specific delivery is part of a longer-term ATLA roadmap for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), often referred to as loyal wingman development. The framework envisions a phased progression from UAVs controlled remotely by manned aircraft, to scenarios where one pilot manages multiple unmanned vehicles, with the final objective being the deployment of fully autonomous swarms operating without direct human input. The current prototype corresponds to the first phase of this plan. It is being used to establish a basis for autonomous UAV integration into air operations, particularly in coordination with crewed fighters. The program is aligned with broader ATLA projects involving fighter modernization, next-generation rotary-wing platforms, scramjet propulsion, indigenous UAV systems, and MUM-T.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) refers to the coordinated operation of manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles in a shared mission environment, allowing human pilots to supervise, command, or directly control UAVs during flight. This operational concept enhances mission flexibility by combining the strengths of both platforms: the situational awareness and decision-making of a human pilot with the persistence, expendability, and reach of unmanned systems. MUM-T is implemented across multiple levels of interoperability, ranging from basic data sharing to full remote piloting from the cockpit of a crewed aircraft. In military applications, MUM-T enables expanded surveillance coverage, more efficient targeting, and reduced risk to human operators, and is considered a core component of future air combat strategies in several defense planning frameworks.
Initial evaluation flights involving the prototype are expected to take place at airbases and training grounds in Kyushu and Northern Kyushu. These trials will assess the performance of autonomous navigation algorithms, cockpit-based control systems, and the UAV’s capacity to operate in formation with manned aircraft. Future test phases may include experimentation with communication relay functions, sensor integration, and multi-aircraft coordination. As part of the evaluation, ATLA will review technical parameters related to safety, response latency, and data transmission under operational conditions. Subaru will remain engaged under contract to provide technical support and hardware adaptation as necessary. The trial results are intended to inform subsequent system refinements and the potential development of more advanced UAVs for military support roles.
The strategic relevance of this program is consistent with Japan’s current focus on enhancing air defense capabilities through the integration of manned and unmanned systems. The ability to conduct cooperative missions using UAVs that are operated directly by crewed aircraft is expected to reduce operational strain on pilots and increase mission endurance. UAVs developed under this framework are also expected to serve in sensor and communications relay roles or support strike missions, depending on future payload and system integration outcomes. The program contributes to Japan’s overall defense posture by exploring options for distributed air operations and networked platforms in response to evolving regional security challenges. It is also being pursued in parallel with Japan’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and other bilateral research initiatives, including cooperation with the United States on artificial intelligence for UAV applications.
