An unmanned aircraft conducted its first live weapons release on July 10 over the Mojave Desert. The drone, designated YFQ‑44A, fired an AIM‑120 air‑to‑air missile at a simulated target under the direction of a ground operator.
The test marked a milestone for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which seeks to pair crewed fighters with semi‑autonomous drones that can scout, gather intelligence, and engage enemies when instructed.
During the flight, the drone carried inert missiles in earlier trials to validate handling and communications before the live launch. The launch sequence was fully controlled by a human operator, who authorized the missile release and maintained command throughout the mission.
Officials stated the exercise demonstrated that the drone can safely execute the complex weapon‑employment steps required in combat scenarios. The test was performed by the 412th Test Wing in restricted airspace, with engineers and military personnel ensuring safety protocols were met.
The program aims to enhance fighter capabilities by providing additional platforms that can operate alongside pilots, offering cost‑effective solutions for reconnaissance and engagement tasks.
