MBDA says Remote Carrier Compact passes design review with approval from three nations ahead of planned first flight in 2029

MBDA's Remote Carrier Compact demonstrator passed its preliminary design review during the summer, receiving approval from France, Germany and Spain ahead of a planned first flight in 2029. Developed by MBDA's French and German teams with Spain's SATNUS, the uncrewed aircraft is intended to accompany crewed combat aircraft on reconnaissance and strike missions. Preparatory work includes mock-ups, digital modelling, structural and wind-tunnel testing, and subsystem simulation within the Next Generation Weapon System effort. The review clears the demonstrator for detailed design and construction, rather than confirming an operational aircraft selection or a deployment timetable.