MARS Autonomy

MARS Autonomy is an AI-enhanced software solution developed by Airbus. It provides the intelligence for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to carry out their missions autonomously. Furthermore, MARS Autonomy enables platforms to collaborate seamlessly during a mission, whether that be different UAS working together (uncrewed-uncrewed teaming) or UAS joining forces with crewed aircraft (crewed-uncrewed teaming). This collaborative approach enhances collective capabilities during critical military operations, improves the safety of pilots and crews, and reduces the cognitive burden on humans.

Teaming means that platforms — whether crewed or uncrewed — work together to achieve a shared mission objective. The composition of these teams is variable, for example, several uncrewed systems can collaborate autonomously to achieve their objective.

A central concept in this context is crewed-uncrewed teaming. The crewed aircraft acts as the command node, while the uncrewed assets provide support or serve as force multipliers. This effectively turns the pilots into conductors, directing the uncrewed platforms to carry out specific tasks, such as engaging targets or jamming air defence systems.

Learn more about crewed-uncrewed teaming.

Crewed-uncrewed teaming expands the tactical options during military operations. Uncrewed platforms can operate in contested airspace and fulfil their missions largely autonomously. This contributes to the safety of pilots and crews, as they don’t have to put themselves in harm's way. 

At the same time, crewed-uncrewed teaming reduces the cognitive load placed on pilots and crew members. In modern military operations, they must process large amounts of information and perform a variety of tasks simultaneously, always having to make the best possible decision. Uncrewed platforms can reduce this burden by carrying out their mission autonomously once they have been assigned a task.

UAS stands for 'uncrewed aerial systems', which are also commonly known as drones. They support a variety of military, government, public service and commercial operations, engaging in missions such as combat, reconnaissance, communications, training and logistics.

Check out Airbus UAS portfolio here.

UCCA stands for 'uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft'. It refers to a class of high-performance military uncrewed aerial systems designed to operate alone or alongside crewed fighter jets. They carry out missions largely autonomously after receiving orders from a pilot or ground station operator, who supervises the UCCA during operations. UCCAs are designed to carry out high-risk missions in contested airspace, such as deep strikes and electronic jamming. Thus, they provide affordable combat mass and contribute to the safety of crewed fighter jets.

To develop its UCCA portfolio, Airbus has adopted a phased approach. Airbus is currently preparing the U740 Valkyrie to deliver an operational capability by 2029 combining the proven Kratos XQ-58A airframe with Airbus' MARS mission system. This will be followed by the U760 Ravenstorm in the early 2030s. This UCCA will feature an internal payload capacity exceeding 500 kg for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare missions

You will find even more information in our dedicated UCCA FAQ.

MARS Autonomy is a bundle of software applications (cApps) that enables flight and mission autonomy, as well as teaming intelligence. It allows uncrewed platforms to carry out their missions independently and facilitates collaboration between crewed and uncrewed systems towards a shared mission objective. A key part of the Multiplatform Autonomous Reconfigurable and Secure (MARS) Mission System, it is Airbus’ offering of a teaming and autonomy cAPP suite. Nevertheless, MARS Autonomy is system-agnostic and can be integrated into any crewed or uncrewed aircraft.

The Airbus MARS Mission System is an extensive software suite including an operating system and state-of-the-art middleware hosting different capability applications, that will enable future multi-domain operations. Based on open architecture principles, the MARS Mission System unites various platforms and systems under one umbrella. Customers can integrate a variety of applications into it, giving them the flexibility to customise their assets' capabilities exactly as required by the mission. As a European mission system, MARS ensures full operational sovereignty and flexibility for its users.

Find out more about the MARS mission system.

Yes, since 2017, Airbus has been demonstrating the autonomy and teaming capabilities of MARS Autonomy components. Highlights include a multi-domain functional demo in Finland in 2022 inspired by a real-life scenario using up to 10 Airbus platforms (Do-DT25, GFD Learjets, H145). In 2024, an ISR teaming flight test campaign in the Czech Republic also demonstrated compatibility with 3rd party platforms (Primoco One 150) and applications (3rd party AI ATR).

Airbus further demonstrated the capabilities of MARS Autonomy at the 2026 ILA Berlin Air Show, where two Primoco uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) conducted live autonomous missions in the skies above. MARS Autonomy served as the software backbone that enabled the UAS to operate and collaborate autonomously towards the mission objective. It was the first time a collaborative autonomous flight of uncrewed assets had been performed live at a major public trade show in Europe.