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the future of Russian UCAVs and the MiG-31/Su-3X

It seems that both the US and Western Europe intend to implement UCAVs with capabilities comparable to that of fixed wing combat aircraft. Such UCAVs will have similar characteristics such as being able to carry a larger load of weapons (such as 2-4 PGMs), achieve super sonic speed, turbofan propulsion, etc.

The Americans are doing this with the X-45C while combining it with F-22 and F-35 procurements.

The Europeans are not too far behind with France using the Neuron (similar ot the X-35C, powered by 1 M88 engine). it seems that they’ve built a coalitoin of partners to help, such as SAAB to provide data linking. Both Saab and Dassault have made it clear that they intend to use their 2 seater Gripen/Rafale to network these unmanned aircraft.

Now the question is what the Russians have planned. We’ve seen several UCAV/UAVs but they are more on the Predator/Global Hawk scale rather than being a full combat aircraft. Does anyone know if Russia intends to create a “stealthy” UCAV in the class of the Neuron and X-45C? to help network these aircraft, the Russians have a plethora of capable two seaters with long range. The MiG-31 and Su-30 comes to mind, particularly the former as it already has some networking abilities.. but also the latter since it has more future growth and funding than Mikoyan.

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