South Korea Advances FA-50 Toward Collaborative Combat With KAI’s AAP Drone Wingman

Korea Aerospace Industries said its jet-powered Adaptable Aerial Platform (AAP) flew in close formation with an FA-50 on October 8. The demonstration advances South Korea’s effort to pair crewed fighters with autonomous drone wingmen. The 150-kilogram-class AAP is designed for missions including reconnaissance, electronic jamming, deception and, eventually, strikes. KAI is developing autonomous flight capabilities and plans to expand testing toward FA-50 control of the drone and multi-aircraft operations. The company sees the work as a building block for future unmanned combat aircraft and networked air forces.