The US Air Force has started ground tests of its new AI-driven combat drones, intensifying its technological rivalry with China as the two countries race to develop unmanned weapons systems that can work alongside crewed aircraft.
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The US Air Force announced on Thursday that trials for the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A drones, developed by US-based defence firms General Atomics and Anduril respectively, had started. The prototypes are the first unmanned aircraft in US military history to receive fighter designations.
Anduril specialises in AI-driven autonomous systems, while General Atomics is best known for the MQ-9 Reaper drone, which can carry out multi-mission intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
General David Allvin, the US Air Force chief of staff, described the tests as a significant milestone for the collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) programme.
The programme, which features next-generation uncrewed aircraft that can fly alongside crewed fighter jets, reflects a strategic shift towards autonomous aerial warfare, according to the US Air Force.
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“This phase bridges the gap between design and flight, reducing integration risks, boosting confidence and laying the groundwork for a successful first flight and eventual fielding to the warfighter,” Allvin said.