Anduril's drone systems face field failures, military concerns mount

📅 Published: 11/28/2025
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 7:40:27 AM
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Anduril Industries, a prominent U.S. defense technology company, is currently facing heightened scrutiny and concern within the military due to repeated failures of its drone systems during recent field operations and tests. Notably, its Altius and Ghost autonomous drones encountered significant control failures and operational vulnerabilities during U.S. military trials at Florida's Eglin Air Force Base as well as in active conflict zones such as Ukraine[1][2].

The problems surfaced starkly during the British Army’s Hara...

The problems surfaced starkly during the British Army’s Haraka Storm exercise in Kenya, where two Anduril drones failed to meet target objectives, with one reportedly suffering a battery fire mid-flight. These setbacks have fueled critical debate across defense circles and media, raising questions about the reliability of Anduril’s autonomous weapons on the modern battlefield[3]. Despite these incidents, some experts caution against sensationalizing these failures, emphasizing that rapid iteration and occasional setbacks are common in emerging defense technologies and do not necessarily preclude long-term success[3].

The U.S. military’s concern centers on the inconsistency bet...

The U.S. military’s concern centers on the inconsistency between Anduril’s battlefield performance and the ambitious claims made by the company. Failures in electronic warfare environments, especially observed in Ukraine, have exposed vulnerabilities that could compromise mission success and soldier safety. These issues have prompted Pentagon officials to reevaluate the readiness and integration of Anduril’s drone systems within broader military operations[1][2].

Anduril, however, maintains that these incidents are part of...

Anduril, however, maintains that these incidents are part of an ongoing development and testing process aimed at enhancing system resilience and operational effectiveness. The company continues to receive Pentagon investment and is actively working on software and hardware updates intended to address these challenges. Anduril’s leadership asserts that overcoming such teething problems is intrinsic to revolutionizing defense technology, especially in the era of product-defined, fast-iterating defense startups[1][5].

While the immediate field failures have drawn criticism and...

While the immediate field failures have drawn criticism and concern, industry insiders and some defense officials believe that Anduril’s innovative approach and willingness to learn from setbacks position it well for future improvements. The company’s contracts with both the U.S. and U.K. militaries underscore its strategic importance despite current hurdles[3].

In summary, Anduril’s drone systems have experienced notable...

In summary, Anduril’s drone systems have experienced notable operational failures leading to mounting military concerns over reliability and battlefield safety. These incidents highlight the challenges of integrating cutting-edge autonomous technologies into combat scenarios but also underscore the iterative nature of defense innovation as Anduril strives to fulfill its promise in modern warfare[1][2][3].

🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 5:20:30 AM
The U.S. military has responded to repeated field failures of Anduril’s autonomous drone systems by calling for immediate software configuration reviews and highlighting persistent operational and safety violations, as detailed in a Navy report after a May exercise off California where over 12 unmanned vessels failed command inputs and became “dead ships”[1]. Defense experts and military officials emphasize the lack of a mature risk management framework at Anduril, with calls for stricter oversight as Anduril approaches major defense contracts including the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program[1]. Despite these issues, the Pentagon continues to invest in Anduril’s technology while government officials and industry insiders acknowledge the iterative nature of defense tech development involving fast innovation and occasional failures[2][3].
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 5:30:42 AM
**U.S. Navy Orders Safety Review Following Autonomous System Failures** The U.S. Navy has initiated an immediate safety review of Anduril's "Lattice" autonomous software after a May exercise off California revealed significant operational defects, with more than 12 of approximately 30 unmanned surface vessels refusing command inputs and becoming immobilized like "dead ships," according to an internal Navy report.[1] Four Navy sailors documented "operational and safety violations" in the report, demanding urgent action on software configuration.[1] The scrutiny comes as Anduril pursues major defense contracts, including the Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, with experts noting the company lacks
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 5:40:34 AM
**Anduril's Autonomous Systems Show Critical Vulnerabilities in Field Tests** Defense startup Anduril is facing mounting scrutiny over repeated failures of its autonomous weapons systems across multiple military operations.[1] During a Navy exercise off California in May, more than 12 of approximately 30 unmanned surface vessels using Anduril's "Lattice" software refused command inputs and fell into automatic idle, with some vessels described as "dead ships" that threatened the safety of other vessels.[1] Internationally, Ukrainian Security Service personnel reported that Anduril's Altius drone proved vulnerable to Russian jamming and failed to strike targets, leading officials to halt its deployment last year with no rede
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 5:50:29 AM
Anduril’s autonomous drone systems have experienced significant technical failures during field operations, raising military concerns about their reliability and safety. In a May Navy exercise, over 12 of approximately 30 unmanned surface vessels using Anduril’s "Lattice" autonomy software rejected command inputs and entered automatic idle, effectively becoming “dead ships” and posing hazards to other units; similarly, the Fury unmanned combat aircraft suffered engine damage in testing, and the Anvil counter-drone system caused a 22-acre fire after crashing in August[1]. Furthermore, Ukraine’s Security Service noted that Anduril’s Altius drone was vulnerable to Russian electronic jamming, resulting in target strike failures severe enough to halt its deployment last year[1]. Defense
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 6:00:35 AM
Anduril’s drone systems have faced significant field failures raising military concerns, with over 12 of about 30 unmanned surface vessels in a May Navy exercise refusing control commands and becoming immobile, described as “dead ships” in an internal report[1]. Experts like RAND’s Jonathan Wong attribute these issues to a lack of mature institutional safety nets, making trial and error inevitable for Anduril’s autonomous systems[1]. Industry opinions, while critical, also stress the iterative nature of defense tech development; one UK Ministry of Defence insider called sensationalized the failures seen in tests like the recent Haraka Storm exercise, noting that early setbacks are common as startups rapidly innovate in this sector[2].
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 6:10:31 AM
Anduril's drone systems have faced significant field failures, sparking expert criticism about the company's risk management and safety frameworks. During a May Navy exercise, over 12 of approximately 30 unmanned surface vessels running Anduril’s autonomous software experienced command refusal and shut down, described as "dead ships" by officials, raising safety concerns[1]. Jonathan Wong, a RAND Corporation researcher, highlighted Anduril’s lack of mature institutional safety nets as a root cause making trial and error inevitable[1]. Industry opinion also reflects that these failures, such as drones missing targets or battery fires during tests in Kenya and Ukraine, are part of the challenging iterative development in defense tech startups, with some insiders calling the media coverage "sensationalized" and
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 6:20:29 AM
Anduril's drone systems have faced significant operational failures globally, notably during U.S. Navy exercises where over 12 of 30 unmanned surface vessels failed command inputs and went idle, and in Ukraine where the Altius drone was halted due to vulnerability to Russian jamming[1]. Internationally, critics have highlighted these issues at exercises like the UK's Haraka Storm in Kenya, where two Anduril drones missed targets and one caught fire mid-air, prompting debate but also reassurances that such setbacks are part of evolving defense tech development[2]. Despite these challenges, Anduril remains a contender for major defense contracts, including the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, signaling ongoing international military interest amid concerns over reliability and
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 6:30:33 AM
The U.S. military has expressed serious concerns over Anduril's autonomous weapon systems following multiple field failures, prompting calls for immediate safety reviews. An internal Navy report revealed that during a May exercise, over 12 of 30 unmanned surface vessels using Anduril’s autonomous software lost command inputs and became "dead ships," raising operational and safety violation alarms from sailors, who demanded a thorough software configuration review[1]. Despite these issues, Anduril remains a key contender for major defense contracts, including the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, with government officials emphasizing the need for rapid technical improvements to maintain contract eligibility[1][3].
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 6:40:30 AM
Anduril's autonomous drone systems have faced significant field failures, raising military safety concerns. During a May Navy exercise off California, over 12 of approximately 30 unmanned surface vessels using Anduril's "Lattice" software became unresponsive, entering automatic idle and threatening other vessels' safety, described as "dead ships" in an internal report. Additionally, tests revealed mechanical failures, including a damaged Fury drone engine and a crash of the Anvil counter-drone system that ignited a 22-acre wildfire in Oregon. Ukrainian forces also halted use of Anduril’s Altius drone after Russian jamming rendered it ineffective[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 6:50:29 AM
Anduril’s autonomous drone systems have encountered significant technical failures in multiple field tests, raising concerns within the U.S. military. During a May Navy exercise, over 12 of approximately 30 unmanned surface vessels running Anduril’s "Lattice" software ceased responding to commands and entered automatic idle, effectively becoming “dead ships,” posing safety risks to other vessels. Additionally, the Fury unmanned combat aircraft suffered engine damage during a ground test, and the Anvil counter-drone system’s failure in August sparked a 22-acre wildfire in Oregon. Operational problems also extended to Ukraine, where Anduril’s Altius drone was vulnerable to Russian electronic jamming, leading to its withdrawal from active use last year. Experts, including RAND
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 7:00:34 AM
**Anduril's Autonomous Systems Falter in Global Military Testing** Defense startup Anduril is facing mounting international scrutiny after multiple field failures across its drone portfolio, with the most critical incident occurring during a U.S. Navy exercise off California in May when more than 12 of approximately 30 unmanned surface vessels running Anduril's "Lattice" autonomous software refused command inputs and became immobilized like "dead ships," according to an internal Navy report citing safety violations.[1] The failures extend globally: in Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine reported that Anduril's Altius drone proved vulnerable to Russian jamming and failed to strike targets, leading officials to halt
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 7:10:28 AM
Anduril’s drone systems have faced repeated technical failures in both testing and combat, including over a dozen unmanned surface vessels going unresponsive during a U.S. Navy exercise off California, with some becoming “dead ships” and posing safety risks, according to an internal Navy report. In Oregon, an Anvil counter-drone test sparked a 22-acre wildfire, while Ukraine’s Security Service reported Altius drones were vulnerable to Russian jamming, leading to halted deployments. Defense experts, including RAND’s Jonathan Wong, warn Anduril lacks mature safety frameworks, raising concerns about reliability as the company pursues major contracts like the U.S. military’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 7:20:27 AM
Anduril’s drone systems have faced multiple failures in operational testing, raising growing concerns within the U.S. military. During a May Navy exercise, over 12 of approximately 30 autonomous surface vessels stopped responding to commands and became “dead ships,” compromising safety, while the Anvil counter-drone system ignited a 22-acre wildfire in Oregon during testing[1][2]. Additionally, Anduril's Altius drone was grounded in Ukraine after vulnerabilities to Russian electronic jamming led to failed strikes and crashes[1][3]. Experts criticize Anduril for lacking mature risk management frameworks amid critical defense contract negotiations[1].
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 7:30:32 AM
Anduril’s recent drone system failures have intensified competition in the autonomous defense sector, with the company now under pressure to quickly address technical shortcomings as it vies for major U.S. military contracts such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program[1]. The Navy exercise in May exposed that over 12 of 30 autonomous surface vessels failed command inputs, leading to operational safety concerns and raising doubts about Anduril’s readiness compared to competitors[1][2]. Meanwhile, the company’s vulnerabilities to electronic warfare, highlighted by setbacks in Ukraine and field tests, have fueled expert critiques over its immature risk management, intensifying the strategic scramble among drone startups and established defense contractors for reliable battlefield autonomy[1][4].
🔄 Updated: 11/28/2025, 7:40:27 AM
**Anduril's Autonomous Systems Under Fire Following Cascade of Field Failures** Defense startup Anduril is facing mounting scrutiny after the Wall Street Journal revealed that more than 12 of approximately 30 unmanned surface vessels equipped with the company's "Lattice" autonomous software malfunctioned during a U.S. Navy exercise off California in May, with some vessels becoming unresponsive "like dead ships" and prompting four Navy sailors to report "operational and safety violations" in internal documentation.[1] Beyond naval setbacks, Anduril's Anvil counter-drone system crashed during an August test in Oregon, igniting a wildfire spanning 22 acres that
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