UK explores Typhoon controlling CCA drones to add combat mass

BAE Systems is developing concepts for Eurofighter Typhoon to command collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) as loyal-wingman drones, potentially carrying Meteor missiles, enabled by upgrades like the ECRS Mk2 AESA radar and large-area cockpit display. The novelty is the integration of crewed-uncrewed teaming into an existing 4th-gen fighter to expand combat mass, persistence, and missile employment, with lessons intended to transfer to the future Tempest program.