What happens when an autonomous drone carries the same missile as an F-35?
Timeline for AIM-120 AMRAAM
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Iran Conflict 2026Background
The AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) is the Western standard beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, using active radar guidance for all-weather engagements. The latest AIM-120D variant has an estimated range of around 100 miles. Built by RTX (formerly Raytheon), it arms F-15, F-16, F-18, F-22, F-35, and Eurofighter platforms across 40+ nations.
In February 2026 the AMRAAM became the first weapon integrated on a Collaborative Combat Aircraft when Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury completed captive-carry testing with an inert AIM-120. The test validated aerodynamic compatibility, pylon loading, and avionics interface. Live-fire tests are planned for later in 2026.
The Air Force has indicated that operational CCA drones will eventually carry the AIM-260 JATM, the AMRAAM's successor currently in development. But the AIM-120 serves as the weapons integration pathfinder, proving that autonomous drones can carry and potentially employ the same missiles as crewed fighters.