U.S. Air Force Conducts First Live-Fire Test of Autonomous Fighter Drone
The U.S. Air Force successfully conducted the first live-fire test of its YFQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), an autonomous drone built by Anduril Industries. The drone fired an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile at a simulated digital target over the Mojave Desert, California, from Edwards Air Force Base. A human operator authorized the engagement, ensuring no autonomous lethal decision-making. The milestone advances the CCA program, which aims to field semi-autonomous robotic wingmen for crewed fighters like the F-35 and F-22.
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First Anduril YFQ-44A Rolls Off Production Line for US Air Force CCA Program
Anduril's first YFQ-44A, a semi-autonomous unmanned aircraft for the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, rolled off the production line at its Arsenal-1 facility in Pickaway County, Ohio, on July 27, 2026. The $1 billion, 5-million-square-foot facility began construction in January 2025 and is expected to create 4,000 jobs. The production milestone comes two weeks after the Air Force's first live-fire test with a CCA, where the YFQ-44A executed a beyond-line-of-sight strike using an inert AIM-120 missile. The Air Force also completed an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, to develop tactics for integrating unmanned systems with manned platforms. Air Force officials emphasized that human operators retain control over munitions deployment. The service awarded CCA contracts to Anduril and General Atomics last month, with plans for 100-150 aircraft in the first increment and a long-term goal of 1,000 CCAs. The production line has capacity for 150 aircraft per year.
First Anduril YFQ-44A Rolls Off Production Line for US Air Force CCA Program
Anduril's first YFQ-44A unmanned semi-autonomous aircraft rolled off the production line at its Arsenal-1 facility in Pickaway County, Ohio, on July 27, 2026, just four months after production began. The $1 billion, 5-million-square-foot facility near Rickenbacker International Airport is expected to create 4,000 jobs. The YFQ-44A is a missionized variant of the Fury autonomous fighter jet for the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. This milestone follows the Air Force's first-ever live-fire test with the CCA, where the YFQ-44A executed a beyond-line-of-sight strike using an inert AIM-120 missile. The Air Force also completed an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Creech AFB to develop tactics for integrating unmanned systems with manned platforms. Air Force officials emphasize that human operators retain control over munitions deployment. Anduril and General Atomics received CCA contracts last month, with the Air Force planning 100-150 aircraft initially and up to 1,000 long-term. The production line can build 150 YFQ-44As annually.
First Anduril YFQ-44A Rolls Off Production Line for US Air Force CCA Program
Anduril's first YFQ-44A, a semi-autonomous unmanned aircraft for the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, rolled off the production line at its Arsenal-1 facility in Pickaway County, Ohio, on July 27, 2026, just four months after production began. The $1 billion, 5-million-square-foot facility near Rickenbacker International Airport is expected to create 4,000 jobs. This milestone follows the Air Force's first live-fire test of the CCA, where the YFQ-44A executed a beyond-line-of-sight strike using an inert AIM-120 missile. The Air Force also completed an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Creech AFB to develop tactics for integrating unmanned systems with manned platforms. Air Force officials emphasized that human operators retain control over munitions deployment. The service has awarded CCA contracts to Anduril and General Atomics, aiming for 100-150 aircraft in the first increment and a long-term goal of 1,000 CCAs. The production line has capacity for 150 aircraft per year.
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First Anduril YFQ-44A Rolls Off Production Line for US Air Force CCA Program
Anduril's first YFQ-44A, a semi-autonomous unmanned aircraft, rolled off the production line at its Arsenal-1 facility in Pickaway County, Ohio, on Monday, just four months after construction began. The $1 billion, 5-million-square-foot facility near Rickenbacker International Airport is expected to create 4,000 jobs. The aircraft is a missionized variant of the FQ-44 'Fury' for the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. This milestone follows the Air Force's first-ever live-fire test with a CCA, where the YFQ-44A executed a beyond-line-of-sight strike using an inert AIM-120 missile. The Air Force also completed an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Creech AFB to develop tactics for integrating unmanned systems with manned platforms. Air Force officials emphasize that human operators retain control over munitions deployment. The production line has capacity for 150 aircraft per year, with the service aiming for 100-150 in the first increment and a long-term goal of 1,000 CCAs.
First Anduril YFQ-44A Rolls Off Production Line for US CCA Program
Anduril's first YFQ-44A, a semi-autonomous unmanned aircraft for the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, rolled off the production line at its Arsenal-1 facility in Pickaway County, Ohio, on Monday, just four months after production began. The $1 billion, 5-million-square-foot facility near Rickenbacker International Airport is expected to create 4,000 jobs. This milestone follows the Air Force's first-ever live-fire test with the CCA, where the YFQ-44A executed a beyond-line-of-sight strike using an inert AIM-120 missile. The Air Force also completed an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Creech AFB, Nevada, to develop tactics for integrating unmanned systems with manned platforms. Air Force officials emphasized that human operators retain control over munitions deployment. The service has awarded CCA contracts to Anduril and General Atomics, with plans for 100-150 aircraft in the first increment and a long-term goal of 1,000 CCAs. The production line can build up to 150 aircraft annually.
First Anduril YFQ-44A Rolls Off Production Line for US Air Force CCA Program
Anduril Industries produced its first YFQ-44A unmanned semi-autonomous aircraft at its Arsenal-1 facility in Pickaway County, Ohio, on July 27, 2026, just four months after construction began. The aircraft is a missionized variant of the FQ-44 'Fury' for the US Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The $1 billion, 5-million-square-foot facility near Rickenbacker International Airport is expected to create 4,000 jobs. Production follows the Air Force's first live-fire test with a CCA, where the YFQ-44A executed a beyond-line-of-sight strike using an inert AIM-120 missile. The Air Force also completed an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Creech AFB to develop tactics for integrating unmanned systems with manned platforms. The service awarded CCA contracts to Anduril and General Atomics last month, aiming for 100-150 aircraft initially and up to 1,000 long-term. The production line can build 150 aircraft annually.
First Anduril YFQ-44A Rolls Off Production Line for US CCA Program
Anduril's first YFQ-44A unmanned semi-autonomous aircraft rolled off the production line at its Arsenal-1 facility in Pickaway County, Ohio, on July 27, 2026, just four months after construction began. The aircraft is a missionized variant of the FQ-44 'Fury' for the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The $1 billion, 5-million-square-foot facility near Rickenbacker International Airport plans to add 4,000 jobs and can produce up to 150 aircraft annually. This milestone follows the Air Force's first live-fire test with a CCA, where the YFQ-44A executed an end-to-end beyond-line-of-sight strike using an inert AIM-120 missile. The Air Force also completed an Agile Combat Employment exercise at Creech AFB, Nevada, to develop tactics for integrating unmanned systems with manned platforms. Air Force officials emphasize human control over munitions deployment. The service awarded CCA contracts to Anduril and General Atomics last month, with plans for 100-150 aircraft in the first increment and a long-term goal of 1,000 CCAs.
U.S. Air Force Tests Unmanned Fighter Jets in First Real-World Combat Exercise
The U.S. Air Force has conducted its first real-world combat exercise with an unmanned fighter jet, the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. The exercise, run by the Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft Experimental Operations Unit, tested the semi-autonomous drone's ability to operate in an Agile Combat Employment scenario, dispersing aircraft across multiple locations. The CCA program, which includes prototypes from General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, and Anduril, aims to field robotic wingmen for piloted jets like the F-35 and F-22. The Air Force recently awarded production contracts for the first 150 aircraft, with ambitions to field up to 1,000 CCAs. The exercise focused on operational integration, reliability, and extended range, with rapid testing procedures to accelerate fielding. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach emphasized the need for 'affordable mass' in contested environments.
Anduril YFQ-44A Fires Air-to-Air Missile for the First Time
The U.S. Air Force has successfully conducted the first guided missile firing test with the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) YFQ-44A, developed by Anduril. A video released on March 27, 2025, shows the unmanned combat drone launching an AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile over the Mojave Desert. This milestone marks a significant step in the integration of autonomous drones into air combat operations, demonstrating the YFQ-44A's ability to engage aerial targets. The test underscores the U.S. military's push to field loyal wingman-type drones that can operate alongside manned fighters.
Anduril YFQ-44A Fires Air-to-Air Missile for First Time in U.S. Air Force Test
The U.S. Air Force has successfully conducted the first test firing of a guided missile from the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) YFQ-44A, developed by defense technology company Anduril. A video released on March 27, 2025, shows the unmanned combat drone launching an AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile over the Mojave Desert. This milestone marks a significant step in the integration of autonomous drones into U.S. air combat operations, demonstrating the YFQ-44A's capability to engage aerial targets. The test underscores the Air Force's push to field loyal wingman-type drones that can operate alongside manned fighters, enhancing combat reach and survivability.
Anduril YFQ-44A Fires Air-to-Air Missile for First Time
The U.S. Air Force has successfully tested the firing of a guided missile from the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) YFQ-44A, developed by Anduril. A video released on March 27, 2025, shows the unmanned combat drone launching an AIM-120 AMRAAM over the Mojave Desert. This marks the first time the YFQ-44A has fired an air-to-air missile, demonstrating progress in autonomous combat drone capabilities for the U.S. military.
Air Force completes first-ever CCA live-fire test with Anduril YFQ-44A
The U.S. Air Force conducted its first-ever live-fire test of a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), the Anduril YFQ-44A, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The unmanned, semi-autonomous 'loyal wingman' fired an inert AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile at a simulated digital target in a beyond-line-of-sight strike. The test was executed by the 412th Test Wing's Air Dominance Combined Test Force. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach hailed the milestone as a step toward fielding CCAs. The weapon release was controlled by a human operator, not autonomously. The test followed inert carriage evaluations earlier in 2026. The Air Force awarded initial CCA production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics in June 2026. General Atomics' YFQ-42A is scheduled for live-fire testing in fall 2026. The fiscal 2027 budget request for the CCA program totals $2.37 billion.
US Air Force completes first live-fire test of Anduril YFQ-44A collaborative combat aircraft
The U.S. Air Force conducted its first-ever live-fire test of an unmanned, semi-autonomous collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), the Anduril YFQ-44A, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The aircraft executed an end-to-end, beyond-line-of-sight strike against a simulated target using an inert AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile. The test was carried out with the 412th Test Wing's Air Dominance Combined Test Force as part of a phased progression from inert carriage evaluations. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach hailed the milestone as a step toward fielding CCAs. The service emphasized that while the aircraft is semi-autonomous, a human operator retains command and control and makes all weapon release decisions. The Air Force recently awarded initial CCA production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics, with General Atomics' YFQ-42A live-fire testing planned for fall 2026. The fiscal 2027 budget request includes $2.37 billion for the CCA program.
US Air Force completes first live-fire test of collaborative combat aircraft with Anduril YFQ-44A
The U.S. Air Force conducted its first-ever live-fire test of a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) using the Anduril YFQ-44A, an unmanned semiautonomous 'loyal wingman' drone. The test took place at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where the YFQ-44A executed a beyond-line-of-sight strike against a simulated target using an inert AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile. The test was carried out with the 412th Test Wing's Air Dominance Combined Test Force. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach hailed the milestone as bringing CCAs closer to the warfighter. The aircraft, designed to fly alongside crewed fighters like the F-35 and F-47, retains human-in-the-loop control for weapon release. The Air Force recently awarded production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics, with General Atomics' YFQ-42A live-fire testing planned for fall 2026. The service's FY2027 budget request includes $2.37 billion for the CCA program.
Air Force completes first-ever CCA live-fire test with Anduril YFQ-44A
The U.S. Air Force conducted its first-ever live-fire test of a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), the Anduril YFQ-44A, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The semi-autonomous drone, part of the 'loyal wingman' program, executed an end-to-end, beyond-line-of-sight strike against a simulated target using an inert AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. The test was carried out by the 412th Test Wing's Air Dominance Combined Test Force. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach hailed the milestone as bringing CCAs closer to operational use. The weapon release was controlled by a human operator, ensuring autonomous deployment is not permitted. The test followed earlier inert carriage evaluations and data link integration checks. The Air Force recently awarded initial CCA production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics, with General Atomics' YFQ-42A live-fire testing planned for fall 2026. The fiscal 2027 budget request for the CCA program totals $2.37 billion.
Air Force completes first-ever CCA live-fire test with Anduril YFQ-44A
The U.S. Air Force conducted its first-ever live-fire test of a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), using the Anduril YFQ-44A 'loyal wingman' drone. The test took place at Edwards Air Force Base, California, where the unmanned, semi-autonomous aircraft executed an end-to-end, beyond-line-of-sight strike against a simulated target using an inert AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile. The test was part of a phased progression that began with inert carriage evaluations earlier in 2026. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach hailed the milestone as bringing CCAs closer to the warfighter. The CCA program, which includes both Anduril and General Atomics, received a fiscal 2027 budget request of $2.37 billion. General Atomics' YFQ-42A is slated for live-fire testing in fall 2026. The Air Force emphasized that while the aircraft is semi-autonomous, a human operator retains control over weapon release decisions.
Anduril YFQ-44A Drone Fires Live Air-to-Air Missile in Key CCA Test
The U.S. Air Force announced on July 15 that an Anduril YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone successfully fired a live AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile at a digital target over the Mojave Desert, California, during a test flown from Edwards Air Force Base. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach called the live-fire test a critical step toward delivering operational CCA capabilities. Anduril's vice president Mark Shushnar said the test demonstrated an end-to-end, beyond-line-of-sight strike using the autonomous Lattice software. The CCA program aims to field about 1,000 semi-autonomous drones to fly alongside crewed aircraft for missions including strike, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and decoy operations. The Air Force stressed that humans retain full control over weapon release. General Atomics, developing the competing YFQ-42A, plans its own live-fire test by end of 2026.
Anduril YFQ-44A Drone Fires Live Air-to-Air Missile in Key CCA Test
The U.S. Air Force announced on July 15 that an Anduril YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone successfully fired a live AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile at a digital target over the Mojave Desert, California, during a test flown from Edwards Air Force Base. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach called the live-fire test a critical step toward delivering operational CCA capabilities. Anduril's vice president Mark Shushnar described it as an end-to-end, beyond-line-of-sight strike demonstration. The CCA used autonomous Lattice software to receive target data, with a human operator authorizing the weapon release. The Air Force emphasized that humans retain full command and control over weapon release. The test follows earlier inert carriage evaluations and validates digital integration models. General Atomics, developing the competing YFQ-42A, plans its own live-fire test by end of 2026. The Air Force aims to field about 1,000 CCAs for air-to-air, strike, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and decoy missions alongside manned aircraft.
Anduril YFQ-44A Fires Live Air-to-Air Missile in Landmark CCA Test
The U.S. Air Force announced on July 15 that an Anduril YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone successfully fired a live AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile at a digital target over the Mojave Desert, California, during a test flown from Edwards Air Force Base. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach called the live-fire test a critical step toward delivering operational CCA capabilities. Anduril's vice president Mark Shushnar described it as an end-to-end, beyond-line-of-sight strike demonstration. The CCA is a semi-autonomous drone designed to fly alongside crewed aircraft, performing strike, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and decoy missions. The Air Force plans to acquire about 1,000 CCAs. General Atomics, developing the competing YFQ-42A, plans its own live-fire test by end of 2026. The Air Force emphasized that human operators retain exclusive authority over weapon release.
YFQ-44A Fury Drone Fires First AIM-120 AMRAAM Missile in US CCA Milestone
Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) successfully conducted its first live-fire test of an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile at Edwards Air Force Base, marking the first time any U.S. CCA-type drone has fired a live air-to-air missile. The test, performed with the 412th Test Wing's Air Dominance Combined Test Force, involved a beyond-line-of-sight strike against a simulated digital target over the Mojave Desert. The YFQ-44A is one of two drones in Increment 1 of the U.S. Air Force's CCA program, alongside General Atomics' YFQ-42A Dark Merlin. The Air Force has ordered production versions of both designs. The test follows earlier inert carriage evaluations and validates autonomous weapon employment within pilot-defined parameters. Similar live-fire tests have been conducted by Turkey's Kizilelma drone and Australia's MQ-28 Ghost Bat.