Anduril unveils Thunder autonomous attack rotorcraft at Farnborough Airshow

Published Jul 20, 02:01 PM UTC

Anduril Industries unveiled the Thunder, an autonomous attack rotorcraft, at the 2026 Farnborough Airshow. Developed in partnership with Archer Aviation, the Group 5 vertical take-off and landing aircraft features a series hybrid-electric powertrain and tilt rotors, enabling it to operate alongside current and next-generation crewed attack helicopters like the Apache and Cheyenne II. The Thunder is designed to address the growing threat to attack helicopters from loitering munitions, cheap air defenses, and persistent ISR platforms. Its mission suite includes long-range mass effects delivery, fire support, ISR, maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and contested cargo logistics. The aircraft has modular internal payload bays capable of carrying up to 10 air-to-ground missiles, 16 launched effects, or 76 70mm rockets, plus counter-UAS munitions. It operates using Anduril's Lattice for Mission Autonomy software, allowing autonomous formation flight without pilot control. The Thunder can be packed into a standard shipping container. First flight is targeted for 2027; no price has been announced.