The US Air Force has for the first time successfully launched an air-to-air missile from a new jet-powered combat drone developed by the defense startup Anduril, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The US Air Force said the recent test represents a significant new step in the development of what the US military calls 'Collaborative Combat Aircraft,' autonomous drones designed to fly alongside manned warplanes.

Air Force Chief of Staff General Kenneth Wilsbach said in a statement Wednesday announcing the test: 'We are one step closer to providing these capabilities to warfighters on the battlefield.'

The US Air Force explained that although the drone is designed to operate autonomously alongside manned combat aircraft, the decision to release weapons will remain with the human element.

During the live-fire test conducted at Edwards Air Force Base in California, Anduril's drone launched a long-range AIM-120 missile that hit a digital target, not a live aircraft, according to the Air Force.

Mark Shushnar, Anduril's vice president of autonomous airpower systems, said in a statement: 'This was not just a simple weapon launch test; it demonstrated an integrated strike against a simulated beyond-visual-range target.'

Historically, the US military has used large drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper to conduct strikes against ground targets.

A new phase

Retired US Air Force Colonel Houston Cantwell, who previously led an MQ-9 wing, said: 'We usually launch missiles at drones. But for the drone itself to launch a missile — that is an entirely new phase.'

Last month, the US Air Force announced its intention to purchase a new generation of drones from Anduril and General Atomics, the manufacturer of the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper.

These drones are scheduled to fly ahead of piloted aircraft to monitor airspace and detect enemy aircraft in areas protected by surface-to-air missile systems.

Anduril's YFQ-44A drone carries its weapons on the wings, while General Atomics' YFQ-42A drone carries its missiles inside a weapons bay, similar to the F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters. A company spokesperson said it plans to launch a missile from this drone later this year.

Last year, Boeing launched an AIM-120 missile from its jet-powered Ghost Bat drone, a similar aircraft being developed for the Royal Australian Air Force. The company said the missile destroyed 'a drone simulating a fighter jet.'