Stephen Kuper

The approval, announced by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, is designed to enhance Australia’s ability to operate and sustain its advanced fast jet fleet, while strengthening interoperability with US forces.

The contracts will see General Atomics produce the YFQ-42A and Anduril manufacture the YFQ-44A, creating the first operational fleet of autonomous combat aircraft designed to fly alongside crewed fighters as part of a next-generation “human-machine team”.

The Series B capital raise, led by existing and new investors, comes as the New Zealand-founded aerospace company accelerates development of its Aurora spaceplane and expands its growing satellite propulsion business.

As part of this expansion, Boeing revealed a technology roadmap that substantially increases the uncrewed aerial system’s range, payload flexibility and interoperability for the Royal Australian Air Force and allied customers.

The deal follows an extensive evaluation program by the ADF and marks a significant step forward in deploying operational counter-small uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities across Defence.

Delivered five weeks ahead of schedule in partnership with aviation services provider Yulista, the aircraft, a converted Boeing 777, will serve as NASA’s most capable airborne research platform to date. It is set to play a central role in supporting global climate and Earth system science.