An F-15EX Eagle II and an Airpower Teaming System (ATS) Ghost Bat drone operated together over the Pacific during Exercise Valiant Shield, marking the strongest signal yet that the Eagle II will adapt into a controller for collaborative combat aircraft. The appearance of the two platforms in tandem showcases a key step toward integrating manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) within the U.S. Air Force's future force structure.
The pairing highlights a strategic shift: rather than relying solely on stealth fighters to direct drone swarms, the F-15EX—with its large payload, advanced radar, and electronic warfare suite—could serve as a command node for loyal wingman type aircraft. This approach could extend the reach and survivability of non-stealth platforms in contested environments, complicating adversary targeting.
Allied and partner nations have taken note. Australia, which developed the Ghost Bat through Boeing Australia, is already advancing its own MUM-T concepts, and the joint exercise demonstrates interoperability between U.S. and Australian systems. Rival states, particularly China, are monitoring these developments closely as they invest in their own drone-control architectures.
While no specific contract values or budget allocations were mentioned in the source, the exercise signals that the Air Force is prioritizing MUM-T integration for the F-15EX fleet. The timeline for operational capability remains unclear, but such demonstrations typically accelerate procurement decisions.
Some analysts caution that the F-15EX's non-stealthy design could limit its utility as a drone controller in high-threat scenarios, where its emissions or radar signature might be targeted. The Ghost Bat and the Eagle II have not yet been tested against advanced integrated air defense systems in realistic contested conditions.