Anduril and Hermeus Forge AI‑Powered Hypersonic Drone for the Air Force

On September 3, Anduril Industries announced a partnership with hypersonic startup Hermeus to build the Quarterhorse Mk 2, a reusable uncrewed aircraft designed to reach Mach 5. The collaboration aims to embed Anduril’s artificial‑intelligence platform—intended for the U. S. Air Force’s future Collaborative Combat Aircraft—into the drone’s systems. Air and Space Forces Magazine reports that supersonic test flights are slated for 2027, marking a significant step toward integrating AI‑driven hypersonic capabilities into the U. S. military’s air fleet. While the program is still in the developmental phase, the move could streamline future aircraft procurement, reduce operational costs through reusability, and accelerate the deployment of advanced AI‑enabled combat platforms.