Anduril buys drone maker Blue Force Technologies amid Pentagon push for autonomous aircraft
The acquisition marks the California-based startup’s expansion from software to military weapons.
Defense startup Anduril has acquired Blue Force Technologies, a maker of autonomous drones, positioning itself to meet the Pentagon's growing demand for jet-powered drones designed to accompany manned warplanes. This acquisition signifies Anduril's shift from its software roots to military hardware, having previously bought Dive Technologies, a robotic submarine manufacturer, in 2022 and rocket company Adranos in June 2023. Blue Force Technologies is developing the Fury, a jet-powered drone that Anduril aims to integrate with its Lattice for Mission Autonomy software. The Air Force refers to such drones as "collaborative combat aircraft" or "loyal wingmen" and plans to procure at least 1,000 to complement F-35 stealth fighters and B-21 stealth bombers. Chris Brose, Anduril's chief strategy officer, sees a significant market potential for these drones, provided there's government funding and vision.