F-35A and PDW C100 drone conducted joint airstrikes: a new era of air support

In July 2025, as part of a large-scale demonstration of the next-generation air warfare concept, a landmark event took place: the fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter carried out targeted airstrikes for the first time in close cooperation with the PDW C100 unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Performance Drone Works (PDW). This operation was an important step in the implementation of the strategy of joint fire support between manned and unmanned aircraft.

How it works: pilot and drone in a single network

During the tests, the PDW C100 drone, equipped with a laser designator, served as a scout and spotter. He approached the target at low altitude, providing stealthy detection and illumination of objects, while the F-35A fighter remained at a safe distance. After receiving data on the target, the F-35A aimed and dropped four GBU-12 Paveway II inert bombs, which hit the specified coordinates with high accuracy.

This format of interaction — when a drone "lights up" a target and a fighter strikes — demonstrates the transition to a new model of air operations, where artificial intelligence and autonomous systems become full-fledged partners of the pilot.

Significance for the future of war

This demonstration was conducted as part of the US Department of Defense's initiative to develop the Team Navy/Team Air Force concept, aimed at integrating UAS into combat formations. The use of drones in the role of "advanced observers" allows:

Reduce risks for manned aviation,

Increase the accuracy of strikes,

Expand the control zone in difficult air defense conditions.

Performance Drone Works, a company specializing in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, has confirmed that the PDW C100 is capable of operating as part of a tactical network, exchanging real-time data with other platforms, including aircraft, ground stations and command posts.

What's next?

Successful tests pave the way for the mass implementation of such solutions in combat aviation. In the future, drones like the PDW C100 can accompany not only the F-35A, but also future sixth-generation fighters, forming hybrid air groups of manned and unmanned vehicles.