The firm added: “We are focused on delivering an aircraft built specifically to the Navy’s distinct needs, at rapid speed and formidable scale.” The announcement places Anduril alongside major aerospace contractors including Boeing, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, all of which are working on proposals for the CCA programme.
While no aircraft concepts have yet been disclosed, the decision marks a significant step for Anduril, which was founded by technology entrepreneur Palmer Luckey. The company has established a reputation for rapid prototyping, unconventional solutions, and fast market entry within the defence sector.
In recent years, Anduril has delivered systems directly to Ukraine during the war and supplied advanced drones to Taiwan despite political pressure and threats from China. This approach has distinguished it from traditional defence primes, which often face slower development cycles and heavier bureaucracy.
By securing a role in the Navy’s CCA programme, Anduril has positioned itself as a direct competitor to long-established firms. Its inclusion also highlights the Navy’s interest in engaging non-traditional defence companies in advanced aircraft development projects.
The CCA initiative is aimed at creating highly capable unmanned aircraft that can operate from carriers and integrate with manned fighters to improve fleet operations in contested environments. The Navy has emphasised that the programme is about building scalable platforms that can be fielded rapidly and in significant numbers.
Anduril has not yet released details of its design proposals or timelines. The Navy is pursuing multiple parallel industry efforts, with further decisions to be made on which designs progress into prototyping and eventual carrier integration.
For Anduril, the development represents a milestone in its expansion into major defence programmes. Once regarded as an outsider, the California-based company is now competing directly with Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman for one of the Navy’s most ambitious future projects.
