The YFQ-44A is designed to operate with or without crewed aircraft, using autonomy to enhance survivability, lethality, and mission effectiveness. “Flight testing is where we prove to ourselves, to the Air Force, to our allies, and to our adversaries that these proclamations about game-changing technology go beyond words,” said Jason Levin, SVP of Engineering, Air Dominance & Strike.
Unlike remotely piloted aircraft, the YFQ-44A operates semi-autonomously from its first flight onward, managing mission execution, throttle, and flight control without real-time human input. “Our aircraft is ushering in this new paradigm with incredible technical precision: 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,” Levin added.
The aircraft integrates a fully autonomous software system that can process combat data, identify targets, and execute commands in real time, while also managing logistics and sustainment on the ground. Levin stated, “In short, YFQ-44A’s autonomy is what makes it more than just a flying machine, but one that’s ready to fight.”
To meet the pace of evolving global threats, Anduril has prioritised scalable and rapid production, supported by a design-for-manufacture approach and use of commodity supply chains. “YFQ-44A will be produced at rate by a broad labour pool, commoditised supply chain, and industry-standard manufacturing processes,” said Levin.
The programme will transition to large-scale manufacturing at Arsenal-1, a 5 million square foot facility under construction in Columbus, Ohio, with prototype production expected in early 2026. In the interim, Anduril has already doubled manufacturing speed and made hundreds of design adjustments to improve production efficiency.
The YFQ-44A programme reflects a broader US strategic push for “affordable mass” — the rapid deployment of numerous intelligent platforms to deter peer adversaries. “Only by achieving affordable mass, by putting new and more intelligent aircraft on the ramp, can we successfully deter great power conflict,” said Levin.
Developed outside the conventional defence acquisition framework, the YFQ-44A represents a shift in how the US approaches air power. “There is no chapter in aviation textbooks about how to develop and test semi-autonomous fighter aircraft. Anduril and the U.S. Air Force, together, are writing it,” Levin concluded.
