Event Brief
Oct 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM ET
F-22 pilot controls YFQ-44A drone in flight
By The BriefBrief
A U.S. Air Force F-22 pilot controlled a YFQ-44A Fury Collaborative Combat Aircraft while both aircraft were airborne, using a tactical data link to send high-level directives and an updated mission plan. The Air Force said the drone’s autonomy software carried out dynamic maneuvers and simulated combat tasks in real time. Anduril said the flight took place from Edwards Air Force Base during the week of Oct. 5.
WHO: A U.S. Air Force F-22 pilot
WHAT: Controlled a YFQ-44A Fury drone in flight, sending it tactical directives and an updated mission plan.
WHEN: Oct 16, 2026
WHERE: Edwards Air Force Base, USA
WHY: The flight was a milestone in the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft efforts, with the F-22 pilot directing the drone through simulated combat tasks.
Reporting from 2 identified publishers across this event arc.
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