US tests AI-driven combat drones as it competes with China to develop ‘loyal wingmen’

Pentagon announces trials of YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A prototypes – the first unmanned US military aircraft to receive fighter designations

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A YFQ-44A drone prototype developed for the US Air Force by defence contractor Anduril is staged in a testing chamber in Costa Mesa, California on Thursday. Photo: US Air Force

Published: 8:00pm, 6 May 2025

The US Air Force has started ground tests of its new AI-driven combat drones, intensifying its technological rivalry with China as the two countries race to develop unmanned weapons systems that can work alongside crewed aircraft.

The US Air Force announced on Thursday that trials for the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A drones, developed by US-based defence firms General Atomics and Anduril respectively, had started. The prototypes are the first unmanned aircraft in US military history to receive fighter designations.

Anduril specialises in AI-driven autonomous systems, while General Atomics is best known for the MQ-9 Reaper drone, which can carry out multi-mission intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

General David Allvin, the US Air Force chief of staff, described the tests as a significant milestone for the collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) programme.

The programme, which features next-generation uncrewed aircraft that can fly alongside crewed fighter jets, reflects a strategic shift towards autonomous aerial warfare, according to the US Air Force.

“This phase bridges the gap between design and flight, reducing integration risks, boosting confidence and laying the groundwork for a successful first flight and eventual fielding to the warfighter,” Allvin said.