Northrop Grumman Launches Project Talon, Adaptive Autonomous Aircraft for Combat Missions

On December 4, 2025, Northrop Grumman officially unveiled Project Talon, a new autonomous aircraft designed to fly alongside manned fighter jets in combat missions. The announcement marks a significant step in the evolution of collaborative combat systems, positioning Talon as a force multiplier capable of enhancing strike power, operational flexibility, and mission effectiveness in contested environments. With this development, the company aims to provide both U.S. and allied forces with a cutting-edge solution for power projection in dynamic threat landscapes.

Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman

Project Talon is envisioned as an adaptive teammate for pilots, capable of executing coordinated maneuvers and supporting a wide range of mission profiles. By integrating advanced autonomy with proven combat systems, the aircraft is expected to reduce risk to human operators while expanding the tactical options available to commanders. The system’s design emphasizes seamless collaboration, ensuring that manned and unmanned platforms can operate together with precision and efficiency.

Northrop Grumman has emphasized that Talon is not merely a concept but a rapidly advancing program. The aircraft has been designed, built, and scheduled to fly in less than 24 months, demonstrating the company’s commitment to accelerated development timelines. This pace reflects the urgent demand for autonomous systems capable of keeping pace with evolving threats and adversary capabilities.

A key element of the program is the use of Beacon, a testbed platform employed to validate avionics software under real-world conditions. Beacon allows engineers to refine autonomous behaviors and mission systems in flight, ensuring that Talon’s software architecture is robust and combat-ready. This iterative testing approach builds on Northrop Grumman’s extensive experience in delivering autonomous solutions across multiple domains of warfare.

The unveiling of Project Talon also highlights the company’s broader strategy to integrate autonomy into future air combat operations. By leveraging decades of expertise in unmanned systems, Northrop Grumman is positioning Talon as a continuation of its proven portfolio, which spans air, land, sea, and space. The aircraft is expected to serve as a foundation for future collaborative combat concepts, where autonomous wingmen play a central role in force projection.