Anduril’s Jet-Powered Loyal Wingman Makes First Flight, Signalling a Shift in Air Combat Architecture

Anduril Industries reported the successful maiden flight of its jet-powered unmanned aircraft, a milestone that advances the U.S. Air Force’s effort to field collaborative combat aircraft capable of operating alongside crewed fighters. The prototype, flown at a California test facility, demonstrated semi-autonomous flight control and recovery capabilities, confirming the platform’s basic handling and systems integration. The achievement marks a tangible step in the Pentagon’s broader initiative to distribute sensing, strike and electronic-warfare functions across mixed manned-unmanned formations.