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Autonomous Jet Takes Flight: Anduril's Fury Soars in Milestone Test
10 Nov
Summary
- Anduril's Fury jet completed its first test flight in late October 2025
- Fury is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designed to operate autonomously alongside manned fighter jets
- Anduril aims to mass-produce the Fury at a lower cost than traditional fighter jets
On October 31st, 2025, Anduril's Fury jet, a pioneering autonomous fighter aircraft, took to the skies for its maiden test flight. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the U.S. military's plan to develop Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) that can operate alongside manned fighter jets.
The Fury, designated YFQ-44A, is a futuristic jet with no cockpit and no pilot. Instead, it is powered by artificial intelligence to carry out mission plans and adjust its flight without human input. During the successful test, the Fury demonstrated its ability to control its own throttle, altitude, and navigation under the supervision of ground operators.
Anduril, the defense-tech startup behind the Fury, envisions these autonomous jets as "wingmen" for manned fighters. The company's CEO, Brian Schimpf, explains that the Fury is designed to "find the enemy first, be able to engage the enemy well before a manned fighter has to be seen or is in range." This capability is intended to provide enhanced deterrence and protect the lives of human pilots.
While the Fury is not remotely piloted, it does have a "kill switch" that allows a human operator to abort a mission if necessary. Additionally, Anduril has stated that a person must approve any lethal actions, such as firing missiles.
The Fury's rapid development, from concept to first flight in just over 18 months, has caught the attention of the Pentagon. Anduril was selected as one of two companies to create a CCA prototype, beating out several established defense contractors. The company plans to mass-produce the Fury in the United States, potentially at a lower cost than traditional fighter jets, by leveraging commercial components and streamlined manufacturing processes.
As the U.S. races to stay ahead of its global competitors, the successful test flight of the Fury demonstrates the accelerating pace of autonomous aerial technology. With the potential to revolutionize aerial combat, the Fury's milestone achievement is a significant step towards the future of warfare.
