# Boeing’s new AI warplane is fueling a military arms race > Source: > Published: 2026-07-22 13:51:40+00:00 # Boeing’s new AI warplane is fueling a military arms race - A fierce competition is underway among defense giants like Boeing, General Atomics, and Anduril Industries to develop the next generation of AI-powered fighter drones. - At the Farnborough Airshow, Boeing showcased its flight-ready Ghost Bat combat drone, while General Atomics and Anduril unveiled full-scale models of their uncrewed aircraft. - These autonomous drones are designed to operate as 'wingmen' alongside manned fighter jets, with the U.S. Air Force expecting them to be significantly cheaper than F-35s. - Boeing claims a lead with its Ghost Bat, which has completed over 100 test flights and participated in a multinational military exercise, while rivals assert they are rapidly closing the gap. - The U.S. Air Force plans to select a lead contractor by summer 2027 and aims to acquire over 150 combat-ready drones before the end of the decade, with widespread deployment anticipated by the mid-2030s.