美國空軍啟動Anduril無人戰機地面測試，探索人機協同未來

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(Anduril)
美國空軍近日展開一項重要測試計畫，針對Anduril公司研發的「協同作戰無人機」（Collaborative Combat Aircraft, CCA）進行地面測試。這種新型無人機未來有望與有人駕駛戰機協同作戰，強化空中優勢與戰場靈活性。

這項測試由Anduril公司主導，該公司以開發自動化防禦系統和人工智慧（AI）技術聞名。美軍的目標是打造一種能夠自主飛行、支援任務並協助有人戰機作戰的無人系統。根據公開資料，Anduril的無人機具備AI決策能力，可在高速戰場環境下迅速偵察、干擾敵人或執行打擊任務。

目前測試集中於確認無人機地面控制系統、資料鏈接與通訊技術的穩定性。美國空軍官員表示，若測試順利，最快2026年前將進入飛行測試階段，並於2030年代中期正式部署。

過去，美國空軍已多次強調「無人僚機」概念，期望透過CCA計畫減輕飛行員負擔、擴展作戰範圍，並降低人員風險。而Anduril的方案被視為這項構想的重要一步。根據2024年國防預算，美國空軍已編列超過20億美元投入CCA與相關技術研發。

專家分析，美軍推動CCA，除可強化傳統戰力外，也意在應對中國和俄羅斯持續發展的高端防空系統與無人機威脅。Anduril的AI無人機若成功整合F-35等主力戰機，將為美國空優戰術帶來轉型性影響。

三個重要觀點

1. 美國空軍積極測試AI無人機，擴展人機協同作戰能力
   美軍透過Anduril CCA計畫，嘗試開發可自主作戰的無人僚機，協助戰機執行偵察與攻擊任務。
    
2. 地面測試確認通訊與控制穩定性，未來預計進入飛行測試
   目前測試重點在於通訊系統與地面控制驗證，若順利，最快2026年前進入飛行階段。
    
3. 因應中俄軍事挑戰，美軍擴大無人戰力投入，預算達20億美元
   此計畫目標在2030年代部署，以應對中國、俄羅斯先進防空與無人機威脅。
    

US Air Force begins ground tests of Anduril drone to shape future manned-unmanned teaming

The US Air Force has launched ground testing for Anduril Industries’ Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), a next-generation unmanned system designed to work alongside piloted fighter jets. The goal is to enhance air dominance and battlefield flexibility by deploying autonomous drones that can support a variety of missions.

Led by Anduril — a company known for automated defense systems and artificial intelligence (AI) — the project aims to produce drones capable of autonomous flight, mission support, and combat assistance. Public information shows that Anduril’s drones will use AI-driven decision-making to perform rapid reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or strike missions in contested environments.

The current phase of testing focuses on validating ground control systems, data links, and communications reliability. Air Force officials stated that if the tests succeed, flight trials could begin as early as 2026, with operational deployment targeted for the mid-2030s.

The US Air Force has long emphasized the “loyal wingman” concept, where unmanned aircraft work in tandem with manned fighters to reduce pilot workload, extend operational reach, and minimize human risk. Anduril’s offering is seen as a key step forward. According to the 2024 defense budget, the Air Force has allocated over $2 billion for CCA and related technology development.

Experts note that the CCA program is not just about boosting traditional capabilities but also countering advanced air defenses and drones from China and Russia. If successfully integrated with aircraft like the F-35, Anduril’s AI drones could reshape US air combat strategies.

Three Key Points

1. US Air Force is testing AI drones to boost manned-unmanned teaming
   The Anduril CCA program aims to develop autonomous drones to assist fighters in reconnaissance and attack roles.
2. Ground tests confirm communication and control stability, flight tests likely by 2026
   Current efforts validate comms and ground control systems, with flight testing expected soon.
3. US invests $2 billion to counter China and Russia’s advanced defense and drone threats
   The program seeks deployment in the 2030s to strengthen air combat capabilities.