The assembly work is taking place inside the first building of the Arsenal-1 facility. The site was recently opened as part of Anduril’s broader manufacturing expansion.
The development comes as Anduril and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. await a U.S. Air Force decision on follow-on production for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft Increment 1 program. General Atomics is producing its competing YFQ-42 prototypes at its facility in Poway, California.
We have started production of YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft at Arsenal-1.
— Anduril Industries (@anduriltech) March 23, 2026
The first two YFQ-44 flight test aircraft were delivered last year from Anduril’s headquarters and main production site in Costa Mesa, California. Those aircraft marked the initial phase of the company’s participation in the program.
Anduril began work on the YFQ-44 after securing a competitive prototyping contract for Increment 1 Collaborative Combat Aircraft in April 2024. The U.S. Air Force later announced in September 2024 that it would acquire additional Increment 1 prototypes.
The additional aircraft are planned for delivery to the Experimental Operations Unit. The effort reflects continued development and testing within the program.
Earlier this year, Anduril disclosed further details about the Arsenal-1 complex. The facility includes a 23-station assembly line designed for production of the YFQ-44 aircraft.
