# F-22 pilot directs Fury drone in airborne simulated combat test

_Published Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 1:06 PM EDT · Robotics · Latest · Tier 2 — Notable_

![an F-22 Raptor firing flares — Primary](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/L7BkiwxuV26xQsmk9K7L5C-1920-80.jpg)

An F-22 pilot directed an Anduril YFQ-44A Fury drone during an airborne simulated combat test, Tom's Hardware reported. The drone translated tactical commands into tasks and flight maneuvers, demonstrating command integration for the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

The approach lets a pilot assign tasks without manually flying the accompanying aircraft. Operational deployment still requires separate testing of tactical autonomy, safe flight control and weapons authorization, along with performance under electronic interference or interrupted communications. Maintenance and deployment procedures also need integration into Air Force operations.

## Sources

- [Tom's Hardware](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/drones/f-22-raptor-pilot-successfully-demonstrates-command-of-wingman-fighter-drone-in-simulated-combat-anduril-yfq-44a-fury-test-advances-usafs-program-to-integrate-uncrewed-aircraft-into-fighter-squadrons)

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Canonical: https://techandbusiness.org/newswire/xuII5iltXv6uT6wAoxRPJQ
Published: 2026-10-18T17:06:40.957Z
Story chronology: 2026-10-18T15:02:19.000Z
Retrieved: 2026-10-18T20:00:55.585Z
Publisher: Tech & Business (techandbusiness.org)