GA-ASI has unveiled Gambit 6, a new unmanned combat air vehicle that adds air-to-ground strike to its family of collaborative combat aircraft, and said airframes will be available for international purchase from 2027, with European missionised versions deliverable in 2029, according to the company.
The San Diego-based manufacturer described Gambit 6 as a multi-role CCA optimised for electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences and deep precision strike, with a modular architecture and an internal weapons bay intended to reduce signature and simplify integration of sensors, autonomy and weapons.
“These are real threats, and they require real solutions,” David R. Alexander, GA-ASI President, is quoted as saying in the company statement.
GA-ASI said the Gambit Series is built around a common core platform intended to speed development of mission variants by sharing landing gear, baseline avionics and chassis. The firm characterised that approach as a way to lower costs, increase interoperability and allow rapid reconfiguration for roles including intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, multi-domain combat and stealth reconnaissance.
The release links Gambit derivatives to other programmes, noting that one Gambit derivative formed the basis for the U.S. Air Force’s YFQ-42A uncrewed wingman concept, and that Gambit 5 was announced in 2024 for ship-based CCA operations. GA-ASI said Gambit 6 expands the family by adding dedicated air-to-ground capability to the platform set, according to the company.
Production and export plans were described at a high level. GA-ASI said airframes will be available for international procurement starting in 2027 and that European missionised versions could be delivered in 2029. The firm also said it is building industry partnerships across Europe with the stated aim of offering sovereign-capability supply chains for its platforms.
GA-ASI characterises Gambit 6 as featuring signature-reducing internal carriage and a modular fit that supports autonomy and sensor payloads; those assertions are reported here as the company described them.
Ordering from the US is risky. Political attitudes and supply issues are not worth the risk.
There seems to be many companies and Countries developing these types of drones. I know BAe have something up their sleeves, but aren’t releasing any images of it yet. They have already shown images of their Concept 2. But I don’t believe this is the final offering from them. As the images don’t match the model they had shown at some shows. Especially as the uncrewed concept aircraft is likely to come under the GCAP umbrella now.
Stealth is another word for expensive imo where the MIC is concerned. We need mass, its cheaper probably just as effective and have the Ukranians and Russians not proved that cheap and cheerful does the job?
I reckon the trouble with ordering Gambit 6 is that there will be a Gambit 7 along in a few months so It’ll pay to wait a bit.
Yes but you don’t want a seven… Better wait for eight.. And so on and on…… Meenwhile…….
It’s the iPhone age.