US MQ-20 Avenger combat drone shows it can hunt targets on its own

The General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger autonomous combat drone successfully demonstrated its capability to independently detect, track, and engage a crewed aggressor aircraft during a live air combat exercise on January 18. Utilizing an Anduril Infrared Search and Track sensor that detects heat signatures without emitting signals, the drone processed sensor data onboard to predict the target’s flight path, calculate an intercept, and execute a simulated weapon firing, resulting in a confirmed successful kill. This test showcased the drone’s advanced software and sensor integration, enabling real-time decision-making and autonomous mission execution across contested airspace without continuous human control. In addition to its combat effectiveness, the MQ-20 maintained disciplined flight behavior by adhering to strict airspace boundaries, including Keep In and Keep Out Zones, ensuring safe operation alongside civilian and military aircraft. The drone demonstrated smooth transitions between flight autonomy (basic flying tasks) and mission autonomy (complex combat decisions), highlighting its flexibility and reducing operator workload. This balance of aggressive engagement with controlled, predictable