US Air Force contracts two autonomous combat drones for Loyal Wingman program

The U.S. Air Force plans to field more than 150 autonomous “Loyal Wingman” drones by 2030 under its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) initiative. Anduril Industries secured a contract for its FQ‑44 drone, marking the first time in over five decades that a newcomer won a production contract over established manufacturers. General Atomics was awarded a separate contract for its FQ‑42 “Dark Merlin” platform. Both drones are designed to operate alongside piloted aircraft such as the F‑35, allowing a single pilot to control multiple unmanned systems, increasing sensor coverage and payload capacity while reducing risk to personnel. The contracts, kept confidential regarding quantities, aim to deliver an initial fleet for continued validation, with potential follow‑on orders based on performance, cost and delivery speed.