Mmastodon WorldDefense first seen 8 h ago, last 5 h ago, peak #11

Northrop Grumman's YFQ-48A drone flies autonomously for first time

Original: Northrop Grumman's YFQ-48A CCA completes first fully autonomous flight https://www.militarytimes.com/industry/techwatch/

Northrop Grumman's YFQ-48A Collaborative Combat Aircraft has completed its first fully autonomous flight, according to Military Times. The uncrewed jet is designed to fly alongside crewed fighter aircraft as part of the US Air Force's drone wingman program, and the milestone marks a key step toward operational use of autonomous combat drones.

Why now: A successful autonomous flight of a combat drone represents a significant milestone in military aviation technology, drawing attention from defense watchers.

Northrop GrummanYFQ-48AUS Air Force

Open on mastodon →

Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 3 snapshots from 8 h ago to 5 h ago.

Evidence

• Northrop Grumman's YFQ-48A CCA completes first fully autonomous flight https://www.militarytimes.com/industry/techwatch/2026/10/06/northrop-grummans-yfq-48a-cca-completes-first-fully-autonomous-flight/ # MilitaryTech # Autonomous # Defense · military_times@robot.villas · 2

API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/1270143