US Air Force F-22 pilot directs autonomous Fury drone from cockpit

A US Air Force F-22 pilot directed Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury drone in flight for the first time, sending high-level tactical instructions that the drone's autonomy software executed. The October 2026 test at Edwards Air Force Base advances the service's plan for crewed fighters commanding autonomous wingmen.

• The flight took place in October 2026 from Edwards Air Force Base
• The pilot sent an updated mission plan to the Fury via tactical data link
• The Fury is Anduril's entry in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program
• In July 2026 a Fury launched an AIM-120 missile against a digital target