USAF's Autonomous AI fighter drone just fired a 'real' AMRAAM air-to-air missile in a world first

• US Air Force drone fires live missile during landmark autonomous aircraft test
• Human pilots remain in control despite growing drone autonomy capabilities
• YFQ-44A advances America’s plans for future robotic fighter operations

The US Air Force has successfully tested a Collaborative Combat Aircraft firing a live AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, marking a major step for autonomous combat systems.

The YFQ-44A drone, developed by Anduril Industries, launched the weapon against a digital target over the Mojave Desert during the historic test.

The event moves the Air Force closer to deploying unmanned aircraft designed to support human pilots during future air operations.

AI wingman drone moves from carrying weapons to firing them

The missile launch followed earlier testing phases where engineers confirmed the aircraft could safely carry the weapon and maintain stable flight.

The dronefirst carried an inert version of the AMRAAM before validating the communication links required between the aircraft, weapon systems,...

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