Anduril has unveiled “Thunder,” an autonomous attack rotorcraft intended to operate alongside existing and future crewed attack helicopter platforms. Multiple outlets report that the aircraft is designed to fly without a pilot as an escort, with TechRadar specifically describing a mission role supporting the AH-64 Apache. Defense News and Military Times both characterize Thunder as an autonomous system built to integrate with current and next-generation crewed attack helicopter forces, focusing on augmenting combat capability rather than replacing crewed aircraft.
The Next Web adds that Thunder is being developed in collaboration with Archer Aviation and is described as being built on air-taxi technology. It reports the company presents Thunder at the Farnborough International Airshow and says a first flight is planned for 2027. The Next Web also notes the use of a series hybrid-electric powertrain and describes the platform as a jointly developed dual-use concept.
Across sources, the central points are Thunder’s autonomy, its role as an escort to crewed helicopters, and the timeline and development partnership disclosed alongside the unveiling.
