USAF plans initial buy of 500 uncrewed fighters, Anduril and General Atomics to compete for specific quantities

The United States Air Force (USAF) intends to purchase an initial quantity of 500 uncrewed fighter jets. Companies Anduril and General Atomics are slated to compete for the procurement of these aircraft. Currently, the USAF is awaiting performance evaluations of the FQ-42 and FQ-44 jet prototypes before finalizing its acquisition strategy. Production contracts have already been issued for both models, but no specific quantities have yet been determined. This strategic move reflects a growing interest in autonomous aerial systems within the military’s modernization efforts.