Aiming at the problem that the intelligence of UAV is relatively limited at this stage, the cooperative operation of manned aerial vehicle (MAV)/UAV is analyzed. The concept, characteristics, requirements and historical overview of MAV/UAV cooperative operation are sorted out. The research status of state-owned MAV/UAV cooperative operation in the United States, Russia and Britain are described. Combine with the progress of science and technology and the development of war form, this paper focuses on the key technologies of MAV/UAV cooperative operation, and looks forward to the development prospect of MAV/UAV cooperative operation. The results show that the analysis can provide a reference for the development of MAV/UAV hybrid formation in our army.