Intro
The Roadrunner is a next-generation autonomous aerial interceptor and multi-mission air vehicle developed by Anduril Industries, designed from the ground up as a reusable, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) platform for rapid, distributed deployment. Unlike traditional fixed-wing drones or missile systems, Roadrunner combines twin turbojet propulsion with advanced autonomy and modular payload bays, giving it the agility and speed of a small jet and the flexibility of a software-defined airborne system. At its core, the Roadrunner platform is engineered to operate in contested environments with minimal infrastructure, able to launch vertically from a compact launch container and achieve high subsonic flight speeds with exceptional maneuverability. Its autonomy stack enables it to perform operator-supervised missions or integrate into broader air defense sensor networks.
Roadrunner-M
The Roadrunner-M variant builds upon the core Roadrunner platform to serve as a dedicated ground-based air defense interceptor tailored for modern threats such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), loitering munitions, and low-flying cruise missiles. Roadrunner-M integrates a high-explosive warhead and enhanced engagement logic that allows it to rapidly detect, track, and intercept hostile targets identified either autonomously or through sensor cues. When a target threat emerges, Roadrunner-M is capable of vertical launch, pursuit, precision interception, and detonation near the target, providing a kinetic layer of defense. If the mission does not result in an engagement — or if the attack is aborted — Roadrunner-M can autonomously return to base and perform a vertical landing, significantly reducing the cost per engagement compared with single-use interceptor missiles.
Nest
To support continuous readiness and rapid response, Roadrunner and Roadrunner-M are paired with Nest, a networked automated hangar system that serves as a mobile base of operations for storage, maintenance, environmental conditioning, and launch preparation. The Nest enclosure is equipped with integrated environmental controls and health monitoring systems that ensure the aircraft are maintained within operational parameters and ready to launch within seconds. Designed for expeditionary and distributed deployment, the Nest can be transported to forward operating bases or strategic sites, enabling rapid force projection without the need for traditional runways or complex infrastructure. When connected to broader defense networks and command systems — including Anduril’s AI-driven Lattice command and control software — Nest functions as a launch node that can autonomously dispatch units based on threat detections or operator directives.
Collectively, Roadrunner, Roadrunner-M, and the Nest system represent a cohesive shift in how air defense is conceptualized: a reusable, software-defined airborne asset optimized for modern threat environments and scalable defense architectures. Their design philosophy blends high-performance aerospace capabilities with modularity and autonomy, enabling a single operator to manage multiple assets across a theater of operations while reducing overall lifecycle costs through reuse and rapid turnaround.