Anduril’s YFQ-44A Completes Maiden Flight
Anduril’s YFQ-44A, a jet-powered uncrewed aircraft, successfully completed its first flight on October 31, 2025. This drone is part of the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, aiming to develop autonomous “wingmen” to operate alongside crewed fighter jets.
Flight Details and Capabilities
The flight occurred at Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville, California. During the mission, the YFQ-44A autonomously followed a mission plan, managed flight controls, and adjusted throttle settings without human input. It returned to land safely under operator guidance.
“This aircraft is ushering in this new paradigm with incredible technical precision,” said Jason Levin, Anduril’s Senior Vice President for Air Dominance and Strike. “It executes a mission plan on its own, manages flight control and throttle adjustment independent of human command, and returns to land at the push of a button.”
Progress in Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program
Anduril is now the second competitor in the CCA Increment 1 competition to reach the flight-test stage. The first was General Atomics Aeronautical Systems with its YFQ-42A prototype, which flew for the first time in August 2025 at Gray Butte, California.
Program Goals
- Develop autonomous drone “wingmen” to support manned fighter jets
- Demonstrate independent flight control and mission execution
- Advance US Air Force’s partnership with private industry in combat drone technology
Author’s summary: Anduril’s YFQ-44A successfully demonstrated autonomous flight controls and mission execution, marking a significant milestone in the US Air Force’s effort to deploy drone wingmen alongside crewed fighters.