Companies race to deliver autonomous uncrewed fighter jets

• The U.S. Air Force selected Anduril and General Atomics in June to build its first semi-autonomous wingmen fleet, with a primary provider award planned by summer 2027 for over 150 aircraft by 2030
• Boeing's Ghost Bat is the most mature design, having completed over 100 test flights and participating in the first multinational military exercise for this aircraft class, with a $528 million Australian contract for seven units
• European companies like Airbus are developing competing designs (U760 Ravenstorm operational by early 2030s), while U.S. firms partner with German manufacturers to target European military contracts by 2029

Summary: Companies Race to Deliver Autonomous Uncrewed Fighter Jets

Key Development: Major defense contractors are competing to build autonomous unmanned combat aircraft designed to fly alongside manned fighter jets, representing a potentially multibillion-dollar market opportunity.

Main Players:

• Boeing showcased its working Ghost Bat drone at the Farnborough International Airshow, claiming it has the "most mature" design with over 100 test flights since development began in 2017
• General Atomics and Anduril Industries won contracts from the U.S. Air Force for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program
• Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Airbus are also developing competing designs

Critical Figures:

• Aircraft expected to cost one-third or less than F-35 fighters (which cost $80+ million)
• U.S. Air Force plans to procure 150+ combat-capable CCA by end of decade
• Primary provider selection planned by summer 2027
• Anduril claims capacity to build 150 aircraft annually
• Boeing secured A$754 million ($528 million) contract to produce seven aircraft for Australia

Recent Milestones:

• Boeing's Ghost Bat participated in first multinational military exercise and completed live-fire test in December
• Anduril conducted live-fire test over Mojave Desert last week
• Lockheed Martin's aircraft "in build phase" with flight planned for next year

Market Outlook: Industry analyst Richard Aboulafia projects market could reach hundreds of aircraft annually, though widespread adoption may not occur until mid-2030s.

European Expansion: U.S. companies partnering with European manufacturers for regional variants. Boeing targeting German Air Force by 2029. Airbus developing U760 Ravenstorm for early 2030s operational debut.