Air domain: connected systems for operational superiority

20 July 2026

In the air domain, operational advantage increasingly depends on the ability to create collaborative and interoperable architectures by integrating manned aircraft, uncrewed systems, sensors, communications, artificial intelligence, simulation, and training.

With the evolution of threats, the growing centrality of data and the need to operate in complex scenarios, the air domain is undergoing a significant of evolution. Air, land, sea, space, and cyber are increasingly interdependent domains, with the armed forces called upon to face conventional threats, drones, autonomous systems, and electronic warfare. In this context, operational advantage is no longer built around a single platform but through the ability to connect manned aircraft, unmanned systems, sensors, communications, and decision-making capabilities into a single mission architecture.

Air superiority – a concept that has evolved over time – therefore now requires systems capable of detecting, sharing information, protecting, reacting and adapting to this evolution. The piloted aircraft remains central but increasingly acts as a node in a wider network in which collaborative assets, distributed sensors and mission systems contribute to the construction of a shared operational picture.

In this scenario, Leonardo operates along the entire air capability chain: training platforms, defence aircraft, uncrewed systems, multi-mission aircraft, helicopters, sensors, communications, mission and simulation systems. The value of this approach lies in its ability to connect different technologies to support complex missions and link the air domain with other operational environments.

Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA): the new paradigm of air domain
The evolution towards collaborative aerial architectures has one of its key enablers in MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming), i.e. the operational cooperation between manned platforms and unmanned systems. In this model, the piloted aircraft operates together with uncrewed assets that can expand its range, observation capabilities, protection, and operational effectiveness.

Collaborative Combat Aircraft are one of the most advanced examples of this approach. These are collaborative unmanned aircraft designed to operate alongside manned platforms, contributing to information gathering, mission support, force protection, and reducing crew exposure in complex scenarios.

The effectiveness of CCAs depends not only on the performance of the platform, but also on their ability to operate as part of a network. Sensors, communications, mission systems and artificial intelligence enable collaborative aircraft to collect data, to share it and to respond to the evolving scenario.

For Leonardo, Collaborative Combat Aircraft are a natural extension of the integration approach: sensors, communications, mission systems and advanced simulation help to make piloted platforms and uncrewed assets interoperable.

From CCAs to uncrewed systems: a family of integrated capabilities
CCAs are part of a broader family of uncrewed systems developed to increase persistence, to gather information, to operate in complex areas, and to reduce crew exposure. Their value lies not only in the platform, but in the integration of sensors, mission systems, control stations and data processing capabilities, with applications across air, land and maritime domains, in both civil and military contexts.

Persistence refers to the ability to remain on a mission for extended periods of time; modularity allows the adaptation of payloads, sensors, and configurations to different tasks; risk reduction involves the ability to carry out complex missions without directly exposing the crew. This is a logic that applies to surveillance, intelligence, information gathering, training, operational support, and counter-drone missions.

It is against this backdrop that the LBA Systems joint venture has been established, combining Baykar’s expertise in unmanned platforms with Leonardo’s capabilities in payloads, sensors, electronics, certification, mission systems and integration. This collaboration responds to the growing role of unmanned systems, which have now become central to modern operational scenarios.

A concrete example is Astore Levante, based on the Bayraktar TB3 platform – an uncrewed system developed by Baykar – and on the expertise Leonardo has gained with the Astore family. Designed to operate from land bases, aircraft carriers and LHDs (Landing Helicopter Docks), the system connects air capabilities, operational persistence and maritime projection, positioning itself as a natural point of contact between the air and naval domains.

Sensors, communications and artificial intelligence
In collaborative systems, sensors are part of the operational capability. Radar, electro-optical systems, passive sensors, secure communications, CNI (Communication, Navigation and Identification) and electronic warfare capabilities allow manned and unmanned platforms to operate as nodes of the same network.

IRST (Infra-Red Search and Track) systems such as Skyward are designed to enhance passive detection and tracking capabilities in complex scenarios and can be integrated into next-generation platforms, including uncrewed and collaborative architectures. Passive tracking is particularly important because it allows targets to be detected through infrared signatures, without emitting radar signals that could reveal the platform's position.

IRST

An Infra-Red Search and Track system detects and tracks targets through their infrared emissions. Unlike an active radar it does not transmit signals, reducing the likelihood of being detected.

The same logic applies to artificial intelligence. In collaborative systems, AI does not replace human control but enables autonomous behaviour within defined limits, especially when communications are degraded or unavailable. In order for this to happen reliably, algorithms must be developed, trained and validated in environments capable of reproducing complex operational scenarios, dynamic threats and rules of engagement.

Digitalisation also enables data analysis, cyber security and the use of advanced computing capabilities – factors that are increasingly important for training, operational support, predictive maintenance and the effectiveness of systems throughout their entire life cycle.

Advanced simulation is therefore an essential step. It allows the testing of behaviour, missions and interactions between piloted aircraft and collaborative assets before real-world deployment, measuring the performance, limits and reliability of the algorithms. A decisive part of the autonomy of future systems is therefore built in this environment, even before flight.

Training pilots for new operational scenarios

Alongside the transformation of the air domain, training is also evolving. The pilot must be able to manage not only the platform, but a denser information environment in which piloted aircraft, uncrewed systems, distributed sensors, simulated threats and digital decision-support tools interact.

The Leonardo M-345 fits into this scenario, designed for basic and advanced training of military pilots. Its cockpit, in-line with that of the latest generation of aircraft, enables pilots to be gradually introduced to more complex operational scenarios from the earliest stages of training while maintaining a balance between performance, efficiency and life-cycle sustainability.

@Nicolo Tomaino

The M-346 Block 20 represents the new evolutionary standard for the M-346 system in the Trainer and Fighter versions. Sensors, defence systems, datalinks, updated avionics, advanced human-machine interfaces, augmented reality, supercomputing, artificial intelligence algorithms, and cyber resilience strengthen the link between advanced training and current and future combat air scenarios. In the gound segment, the use of virtual reality and artificial intelligence also enables the customisation of training paths and the introduction of autonomous artificial agents into the synthetic scenario.

The connection between real and synthetic training is also expressed by the LVC (Live, Virtual and Constructive) mode, which combines real aircraft in flight, simulators and computer-generated threats, making them interact in the same training scenario. This allows pilots to prepare for complex, realistic, and repeatable missions without always having to use all the resources in the physical world.

The International Flight Training School (IFTS), established through a partnership between Leonardo and the Italian Air Force, is a centre of excellence for the training of military pilots from around the world, combining platforms, simulation and mission support services. At a time when the line between real and synthetic training is becoming increasingly blurred, training goes beyond just flight preparation to become an established and integral part of operational capability.

Combat air: from the Eurofighter to the Global Combat Air Programme
The evolution of the air domain also concerns the combat platforms already in operation. The Eurofighter is an established capability that continues to evolve through progressive updates to sensors, defensive systems, avionics and mission capabilities. In this perspective, the value of a combat-proven platform – already validated in operational contexts – lies not only in the operational experience accumulated, but also in its ability to remain updated and interoperable in rapidly changing scenarios.

The next step is represented by the GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme), the international programme for the future combat air system. More than a single aircraft, GCAP should be seen as an architecture: manned platforms, collaborative assets, sensors, data, communications, and advanced decision-making capabilities will have to operate as parts of an ecosystem. It is here that the air domain comes close to the concept of a system of systems.

System of systems

A system of systems is a collection of platforms, sensors, communications, software, and decision-making centres that operate in a coordinated way. Value does not come from a single element, but from the ability to share data and act as an integrated architecture.

Multi-mission aircraft: transport, surveillance and maritime security
In a connected air domain, a multi-mission platform is an aircraft designed or configured to perform different tasks, also through sensors, mission systems and modular configurations. This approach extends the platform's role beyond a single operational function, making it usable for tactical transport, operational support, surveillance, patrol, search and rescue, fire safety or specialised missions.

This includes the Leonardo C-27J, a tactical and multi-mission transport platform that has been made even more versatile by the latest avionics upgrades and new variant configurations. It enables mobility, operational support and adaptability across different scenarios.

The ATR 72, in its surveillance, maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare configurations, extends the contribution of the air domain to maritime security. Anti-submarine warfare, or ASW, includes activities to detect, track and counter underwater threats. It is a concrete example of how an airborne platform can operate in support of another domain, in this case the naval one.

Vertical lift: platforms and new uncrewed solutions
The rotary-wing component completes the air domain with mobility, support, protection, surveillance and intervention capabilities in complex scenarios. In this field, the AW149 and Proteus allow us to talk about two complementary dimensions: on the one hand a mature platform for defence and security missions; on the other a technological trajectory towards modular, autonomous uncrewed rotary-wing systems. In addition to these are fast rotorcraft designs such as the tiltrotor, which combine the versatility typical of helicopters in terms of hovering and vertical take-off and landing with the performance characteristics of turboprop aeroplanes in terms of speed, range and, in some cases, altitude.

The AW149 represents the well-established component of vertical flight, with capabilities designed to meet diverse operational requirements, from tactical mobility to mission support. Proteus, on the other hand, looks to the future evolution of uncrewed rotary-wing systems: developed in the United Kingdom in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy, it focuses on modularity, autonomy, and digitisation. The use of digital twins and synthetic environments has contributed enormously to the development and testing of the aircraft.

Digital twin

A digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical system. It allows the simulation of configurations, missions and behaviours prior to real tests, reducing time, costs and risks.

The common thread is integration. Sensing, warning and countermeasures increase the platform’s ability to recognise threats, to protect itself and to complete the mission. The same logic applies to future systems: effectiveness will not depend solely on the airframe or flight performance, but on the ability to integrate sensors, data, autonomy and mission control.

One domain, many connections

From advanced training to collaborative aircraft, from combat-proven platforms to uncrewed systems, from sensors to simulation, the air domain clearly shows the direction of the transformation currently under way. Platforms remain essential, but their value increases when they are connected to mission systems, data, communications, and decision-making capabilities.

This is the logic that connects the air domain to other operational areas: land, sea, space, and integrated air and missile defence. Michelangelo Dome also falls within this framework, embodying Leonardo’s multi-domain approach: an open and scalable architecture designed to integrate sensors, radar, platforms, command and control, cyber security, artificial intelligence and data. The future of operational superiority will not be defined by a single asset, but by the ability to make platforms and information work together, reducing decision times and increasing response capabilities in multi-domain scenarios.