AFA 2026: USAF examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics

The US Air Force is evaluating uncrewed cargo-aircraft demonstrators as it defines contested-logistics requirements for the Pacific, Africa, and other dispersed theatres. Removing onboard crews could permit higher-risk resupply missions to austere locations while conserving scarce aircrew and conventional transports. Candidate systems must balance payload, range, runway needs, autonomy, cost, and the ability to operate with degraded navigation or communications. The activity is exploratory rather than a formal fleet selection, but it could shape future procurement for distributing fuel, ammunition, medical supplies, and repair parts under threat.