// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM

MUM-T

MUM-T, or Manned-Unmanned Teaming, is a military concept where human-operated vehicles or aircraft work together with robotic systems to achieve mission objectives. This collaboration allows for increased situational awareness and efficiency on the battlefield.

MUM-T — illustration from Wikipedia
Image via Wikipedia

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) represents a military operational doctrine focused on the synergistic integration of manned platforms (e.g., aircraft, ground vehicles, naval vessels) with unmanned systems (e.g., UAVs, UGVs, USVs) to amplify mission effectiveness, extend operational reach, and improve survivability through shared sensing, coordinated actions, and distributed lethality in complex combat environments.

BACKGROUND

The Anduril YFQ-44, internally named "Fury", is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) currently under development by Anduril Industries. The aircraft is one of the winning designs for Increment I of the United States Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program and is intended to augment crewed fighter aircraft such as the F-15EX Eagle II, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning, and the planned Boeing F-47 fighter for air-to-air missions through manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T).

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SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Manned-Unmanned Teaming
  • Human-Machine Teaming
  • Robotic Wingman
  • Human-Autonomy Teaming
  • Collaborative Autonomy

USAGE NOTE

MUM-T is a critical strategy for future military operations, enabling manned platforms to command or delegate tasks to autonomous assets, thereby enhancing reconnaissance, targeting, and protective capabilities.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to MUM-T.

  • Lockheed Martin

    A global aerospace and defense company developing advanced manned platforms (like the F-35) and various unmanned systems, integrating technologies for sophisticated Manned-Unmanned Teaming capabilities and battle management.

  • Boeing

    A major aerospace company actively pursuing MUM-T concepts through programs such as the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial refueler and the MQ-28 Ghost Bat (Loyal Wingman), designed to operate collaboratively with manned aircraft.

  • Northrop Grumman

    Known for developing advanced autonomous systems, command and control solutions, and stealth platforms, Northrop Grumman is focused on integrating unmanned assets with manned systems for enhanced operational capabilities in MUM-T scenarios.

  • General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI)

    A leading developer of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) such as the Predator and Reaper series, GA-ASI is actively integrating advanced autonomy and teaming capabilities to allow their drones to operate effectively alongside manned platforms.

  • BAE Systems

    A global defense, aerospace, and security company engaged in developing advanced combat systems, including autonomous vehicles, electronic warfare, and integrated mission systems that support Manned-Unmanned Teaming across various domains.

  • Kratos Defense & Security Solutions

    Specializes in developing affordable, high-performance unmanned jet aircraft designed specifically for collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) roles and 'loyal wingman' concepts, directly aligning with Manned-Unmanned Teaming strategies.

  • Airbus Defence and Space

    A key player in the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS/SCAF) initiative, which prominently features Manned-Unmanned Teaming concepts with next-generation fighter jets and 'remote carriers' designed to operate in conjunction with them.

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