Boeing's 'Loyal Wingman' fighter drone set for action

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The next generation of fighter jets is taking shape…

And pilots aren’t required.

Boeing on Tuesday (May 5) rolled out the first prototype of its Loyal Wingman combat drone.

The aerospace giant says mass production could begin by the middle of the decade.

It won’t fly into battle alone though.

The jet will operate in swarms of up to 16, assisting and protecting the remaining manned aircraft.

It’s a big deal for Australia, marking the first time a combat aircraft has been developed there since World War II.

Prime minister Scott Morrison hailed the development:

(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER, SCOTT MORRISON, SAYING:

"We've made an initial $40 million investment with a strong local supply chain. Our collaboration with Boeing is about investing in sovereign future-focused technology that has global export potential.”

Australia may be the first customer, but the U.S. and UK air forces are interested.

That’s as air forces around the world turn to drones.

They’re cheaper, and don’t mean putting a pilot in harm’s way.