How to understand it
Autonomy describes software carrying out particular functions with a degree of independence. It can cover flight management, coordination between aircraft or support to a human operator. Those functions can be developed and tested separately. A claim of autonomous flight does not establish that a system independently decides to use force.
What to look for in the evidence
- Identify the function being automated and the human role that remains.
- Separate a demonstration with a small number of aircraft from routine operational integration.
- Look for operator trials and programme milestones alongside supplier announcements.
THE CAPABILITY QUESTION
Useful autonomy is about the whole human-machine system: what people can supervise, understand and reliably use.
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Follow the evidence
Source types identify who makes the claim. Programme milestones and supplier statements should be read in context.
- FQ-42 / FQ-44 CCA programme — primary reference (opens in a new tab)Government / operator