Manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has unveiled a new variant of its Gambit family of uncrewed tactical jets oriented toward air-to-ground missions.
As its name implies, the Gambit 6 is the sixth configuration in the line of modular aircraft that feature a common airframe core with empennage, wings, air intakes, propulsion and onboard payload tailored to specific mission sets.
A rendering of the Gambit 6 provided by General Atomics indicates a similar outer mould shape to the air-to-air focused Gambit 2, which serves as the basis for the YFQ-42A prototype developed by the company for the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme.
Rather than an air superiority focus, the Gambit 6 will be a multi-role aircraft configured for the suppression of enemy air defences, deep precision strike and electronic warfare.
General Atomics describes the new offering as a “versatile option for evolving defence needs”, and one that will help air forces address threats in denied environments.
“These are real threats, and they require real solutions,” says David Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. “The modular architecture and signature-reducing internal weapons bay of Gambit 6 allow for easy integration of advanced autonomy, sensors, and weapons systems, ensuring the aircraft can adapt to a wide range of operational scenarios.”
Airframes will be available for purchase by international customers starting in 2027, notably with European missionised versions deliverable in 2029, the company says.
Early leaders in the uncrewed fighter concept, most notably General Atomics and Anduril Industries, are establishing partnerships with Europe-based manufacturers to offer local production and sustainment for the new class of aircraft.
Other Gambit variants include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; an aggressor air training vehicle; and a tailless stealth reconnaissance platform. The company is also developing an aircraft carrier-capable Gambit derivative for the US Navy’s CCA initiative, which is separate from the USAF programme and is less far along in the development process.
