Breaking News | US Air Force begins testing its first unmanned fighter jets to increase the combat capabilities of F-22 and F-35
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On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Air Force officially began ground testing for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, initiating a key phase in the service’s effort to field autonomous systems as part of its future combat force structure. The program, a major component of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, has entered the ground validation phase for its two initial production-representative test vehicles: the YFQ-42A developed by General Atomics, and the YFQ-44A developed by Anduril Industries. Simultaneously, the Air Force announced the selection of Beale Air Force Base, California, as the preferred location for the first Aircraft Readiness Unit (ARU) dedicated to the CCA fleet.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Estimated specifications of the YFQ-44A include a 6.1-meter length, 5.2-meter wingspan, 2,268-kilogram maximum takeoff weight, and propulsion from a Williams FJ44-4M turbofan generating 4,000 lbf (17.8 kilonewtons) of thrust. (Picture source: US DoD)
The ground testing phase includes assessments of propulsion, avionics, autonomy integration, and control systems for both the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A platforms. These evaluations are intended to mitigate risks before flight testing begins later in 2025 and will support decisions on future system architecture and performance baselines. According to official statements, the aircraft will support future missions by operating in coordination with crewed fighters such as the F-22 and F-35, carrying additional air-to-air munitions and enhancing operational flexibility in contested environments. Both vehicles have been formally designated under the Mission Design Series: “Y” for prototype, “F” for fighter, “Q” for unmanned, followed by individual sequence numbers (42 and 44) and version indicator “A.” The “Y” prefix will be removed upon entry into production.
The YFQ-42A, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is derived from the XQ-67A experimental platform that was designed for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Off-Board Sensing Station program. It is part of the Gambit family of unmanned systems and has been optimized for endurance, internal weapons storage, and modular software architecture. Its configuration includes a dorsal inlet, elongated fuselage, V-tails, and internal bays compatible with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. The platform emphasizes system adaptability and integration with manned aircraft. General Atomics has confirmed that the first YFQ-42A began production in 2024, following a successful flight of the XQ-67A on February 28 of that year.
The YFQ-44A is based on the Fury platform originally developed by Blue Force Technologies, which Anduril Industries acquired in 2023. Initially named Grackle and later REDmedium, the platform was originally designed to serve as an aggressor aircraft for training and simulation. It features swept trapezoidal wings, a chin-mounted inlet, cruciform tail with stabilators, and external hardpoints. Estimated specifications include a 20-foot length (6.1 meters), 17-foot wingspan (5.2 meters), 5,000-pound maximum takeoff weight (2,268 kilograms), and propulsion from a Williams FJ44-4M turbofan generating 4,000 lbf of thrust (17.8 kilonewtons). It is expected to operate up to Mach 0.95 at 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) and sustain 4.5g at 20,000 feet (6,096 meters), with a 9g maximum. Anduril has announced plans to manufacture the platform at a facility in Columbus, Ohio, and intends to integrate its proprietary Lattice software into the aircraft’s autonomy system.
Both platforms are designed to take off and land conventionally, but future configurations may incorporate alternative launch methods, including air-launch or ground-based deployment systems that do not rely on traditional runways. (Picture source: US Air Force)
Both platforms are designed to function as part of the CCA concept of operations, wherein uncrewed systems act in coordination with crewed fighters to augment firepower and survivability. They are designed to take off and land conventionally but future configurations may incorporate alternative launch methods, including air-launch or ground-based deployment systems that do not rely on traditional runways. The CCA effort is also aligned with the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy, which emphasizes distributed operations and reduced dependence on large fixed infrastructure. Beale AFB’s designation as a preferred ARU location reflects these operational requirements. The ARU will maintain CCAs in fly-ready condition with minimal sortie generation, which is expected to lower personnel and sustainment demands relative to existing aircraft fleets.
According to General Allvin, the CCA program represents a shift in acquisition priorities toward adaptability and iterative upgrades. The Air Force has moved away from a focus on long-term sustainment and instead emphasizes modular design and faster fielding timelines. Increment 1 includes production-representative test vehicles and is scheduled to culminate in a competitive selection in FY2026. An estimated 200 aircraft may be produced by 2028. Funding is sourced from the NGAD program line, with the Senate Appropriations Committee having recommended in FY2025 a $557.1 million transfer from the NGAD platform account to the CCA line, due to a pause in the NGAD manned platform contract award. Total planned CCA funding from FY2025 to FY2029 is $8.89 billion, including allocations of $494.9 million in FY2026, $1.65 billion in FY2027, $3.05 billion in FY2028, and $3.1 billion in FY2029.
The program anticipates scaling to a fleet of up to 1,000 aircraft, based on planning assumptions involving two CCAs for every advanced manned fighter. These figures are used for structuring training, sustainment, and operational planning. The platforms are not considered expendable, but their lower cost compared to manned fighters—estimated at $25–30 million per unit—permits greater tolerance for operational risk. The Air Force has confirmed that CCAs will be used initially in air-to-air roles to supplement the limited internal weapons loadouts of stealth fighters. Additional mission types, such as electronic warfare, strike, and reconnaissance, may be introduced in future increments.
The YFQ-42A, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is derived from the XQ-67A experimental platform that was designed for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Off-Board Sensing Station program. (Picture source: GA-ASI)
Increment 2 development is scheduled to begin in FY2026. While originally envisioned as a high-end, stealth-capable evolution of Increment 1, the current approach considers a mix of low-end and high-end solutions. Maj. Gen. Kunkel stated in April 2025 that wargaming indicated large quantities of simpler platforms may be more effective than smaller numbers of complex ones, particularly in Indo-Pacific scenarios. As a result, Increment 2 may focus on affordability and scalable production. The Air Force intends to include over 20 industry partners in this phase, and discussions have been initiated on potential international collaboration.
The CCA initiative has also involved research from DARPA, AFRL, and other commands. Relevant experimental programs include the X-62 VISTA, which flew with autonomous software and was used for dogfighting trials, as well as Skyborg, which demonstrated autonomy portability across airframes. The Air Force has used six modified F-16s from Eglin AFB to test various autonomy packages including Air Combat Evolution (ACE) and Autonomous Air Combat Operations (AACO). These efforts support the development of the “autonomy package” that will guide CCA operations. Other technologies relevant to the CCA include DARPA’s LongShot program, which is designed to extend weapon range by using an air-launched UAV to deploy missiles.
The CCA concept is closely tied to manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), in which a human operator controls or collaborates with unmanned systems. In this framework, uncrewed aircraft may act as sensors, shooters, or decoys, supporting the human pilot who serves as mission commander. According to the Air Force, AI-enabled software will allow CCAs to operate semi-independently while still under human oversight. The service has tested this operational model with platforms like the XQ-58A Valkyrie and simulated environments using the Joint Simulation Environment.
Both CCAs have been designated under the Mission Design Series: “Y” for prototype, “F” for fighter, “Q” for unmanned, followed by individual sequence numbers (42 and 44) and version indicator “A.” The “Y” prefix will be removed upon entry into production. (Picture source: US Air Force)
While CCAs are initially intended for the U.S. Air Force, similar programs are underway globally. Australia has developed the MQ-28 Ghost Bat. China is developing the GJ-11, LJ-1, and potentially pairing them with a two-seat J-20 stealth fighter variant for control. Other efforts include Japan’s F-X-linked wingman drone, India’s CATS Warrior, Turkey’s Anka-3, and the UK’s previously canceled Mosquito project. International design approaches vary, with some nations opting for modular drones launched from crewed platforms and others building autonomous aircraft with stealth and weapons capabilities. Observers have noted that China’s approach, involving dual-seat fighters and drone control from frontline aircraft, may influence Western programs.
The legislative branch of the U.S. government has also been engaged. The FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (H.Rept. 118-529) encouraged the Air Force to leverage existing propulsion systems and requested briefings on the integration of modular open systems architectures in the CCA and related Navy programs. Members of Congress are also examining the implications of large-scale deployment, including logistics, storage, transport, and autonomy governance.
The YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A were first displayed as full-scale mockups at the September 2024 Air, Space & Cyber Conference. They are the outcome of a multi-phase selection process that began in January 2024, when contracts were awarded to five vendors: General Atomics, Anduril, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. In April 2024, the Air Force narrowed the field to General Atomics and Anduril for Increment 1 testing. Vendors not selected remain eligible to compete in later increments. A final production decision is expected by FY2026.
The Department of the Air Force has confirmed that the readiness of CCAs, their cost parameters, and their operational role will continue to evolve through experimentation, simulation, and iterative acquisition. These aircraft are intended to provide additional capacity at reduced cost, expand the combat reach of manned fighters, and support the broader objective of maintaining air superiority in contested environments.
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On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Air Force officially began ground testing for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, initiating a key phase in the service’s effort to field autonomous systems as part of its future combat force structure. The program, a major component of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, has entered the ground validation phase for its two initial production-representative test vehicles: the YFQ-42A developed by General Atomics, and the YFQ-44A developed by Anduril Industries. Simultaneously, the Air Force announced the selection of Beale Air Force Base, California, as the preferred location for the first Aircraft Readiness Unit (ARU) dedicated to the CCA fleet.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Estimated specifications of the YFQ-44A include a 6.1-meter length, 5.2-meter wingspan, 2,268-kilogram maximum takeoff weight, and propulsion from a Williams FJ44-4M turbofan generating 4,000 lbf (17.8 kilonewtons) of thrust. (Picture source: US DoD)
The ground testing phase includes assessments of propulsion, avionics, autonomy integration, and control systems for both the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A platforms. These evaluations are intended to mitigate risks before flight testing begins later in 2025 and will support decisions on future system architecture and performance baselines. According to official statements, the aircraft will support future missions by operating in coordination with crewed fighters such as the F-22 and F-35, carrying additional air-to-air munitions and enhancing operational flexibility in contested environments. Both vehicles have been formally designated under the Mission Design Series: “Y” for prototype, “F” for fighter, “Q” for unmanned, followed by individual sequence numbers (42 and 44) and version indicator “A.” The “Y” prefix will be removed upon entry into production.
The YFQ-42A, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is derived from the XQ-67A experimental platform that was designed for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Off-Board Sensing Station program. It is part of the Gambit family of unmanned systems and has been optimized for endurance, internal weapons storage, and modular software architecture. Its configuration includes a dorsal inlet, elongated fuselage, V-tails, and internal bays compatible with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles. The platform emphasizes system adaptability and integration with manned aircraft. General Atomics has confirmed that the first YFQ-42A began production in 2024, following a successful flight of the XQ-67A on February 28 of that year.
The YFQ-44A is based on the Fury platform originally developed by Blue Force Technologies, which Anduril Industries acquired in 2023. Initially named Grackle and later REDmedium, the platform was originally designed to serve as an aggressor aircraft for training and simulation. It features swept trapezoidal wings, a chin-mounted inlet, cruciform tail with stabilators, and external hardpoints. Estimated specifications include a 20-foot length (6.1 meters), 17-foot wingspan (5.2 meters), 5,000-pound maximum takeoff weight (2,268 kilograms), and propulsion from a Williams FJ44-4M turbofan generating 4,000 lbf of thrust (17.8 kilonewtons). It is expected to operate up to Mach 0.95 at 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) and sustain 4.5g at 20,000 feet (6,096 meters), with a 9g maximum. Anduril has announced plans to manufacture the platform at a facility in Columbus, Ohio, and intends to integrate its proprietary Lattice software into the aircraft’s autonomy system.
Both platforms are designed to take off and land conventionally, but future configurations may incorporate alternative launch methods, including air-launch or ground-based deployment systems that do not rely on traditional runways. (Picture source: US Air Force)
Both platforms are designed to function as part of the CCA concept of operations, wherein uncrewed systems act in coordination with crewed fighters to augment firepower and survivability. They are designed to take off and land conventionally but future configurations may incorporate alternative launch methods, including air-launch or ground-based deployment systems that do not rely on traditional runways. The CCA effort is also aligned with the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) strategy, which emphasizes distributed operations and reduced dependence on large fixed infrastructure. Beale AFB’s designation as a preferred ARU location reflects these operational requirements. The ARU will maintain CCAs in fly-ready condition with minimal sortie generation, which is expected to lower personnel and sustainment demands relative to existing aircraft fleets.
According to General Allvin, the CCA program represents a shift in acquisition priorities toward adaptability and iterative upgrades. The Air Force has moved away from a focus on long-term sustainment and instead emphasizes modular design and faster fielding timelines. Increment 1 includes production-representative test vehicles and is scheduled to culminate in a competitive selection in FY2026. An estimated 200 aircraft may be produced by 2028. Funding is sourced from the NGAD program line, with the Senate Appropriations Committee having recommended in FY2025 a $557.1 million transfer from the NGAD platform account to the CCA line, due to a pause in the NGAD manned platform contract award. Total planned CCA funding from FY2025 to FY2029 is $8.89 billion, including allocations of $494.9 million in FY2026, $1.65 billion in FY2027, $3.05 billion in FY2028, and $3.1 billion in FY2029.
The program anticipates scaling to a fleet of up to 1,000 aircraft, based on planning assumptions involving two CCAs for every advanced manned fighter. These figures are used for structuring training, sustainment, and operational planning. The platforms are not considered expendable, but their lower cost compared to manned fighters—estimated at $25–30 million per unit—permits greater tolerance for operational risk. The Air Force has confirmed that CCAs will be used initially in air-to-air roles to supplement the limited internal weapons loadouts of stealth fighters. Additional mission types, such as electronic warfare, strike, and reconnaissance, may be introduced in future increments.
The YFQ-42A, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, is derived from the XQ-67A experimental platform that was designed for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Off-Board Sensing Station program. (Picture source: GA-ASI)
Increment 2 development is scheduled to begin in FY2026. While originally envisioned as a high-end, stealth-capable evolution of Increment 1, the current approach considers a mix of low-end and high-end solutions. Maj. Gen. Kunkel stated in April 2025 that wargaming indicated large quantities of simpler platforms may be more effective than smaller numbers of complex ones, particularly in Indo-Pacific scenarios. As a result, Increment 2 may focus on affordability and scalable production. The Air Force intends to include over 20 industry partners in this phase, and discussions have been initiated on potential international collaboration.
The CCA initiative has also involved research from DARPA, AFRL, and other commands. Relevant experimental programs include the X-62 VISTA, which flew with autonomous software and was used for dogfighting trials, as well as Skyborg, which demonstrated autonomy portability across airframes. The Air Force has used six modified F-16s from Eglin AFB to test various autonomy packages including Air Combat Evolution (ACE) and Autonomous Air Combat Operations (AACO). These efforts support the development of the “autonomy package” that will guide CCA operations. Other technologies relevant to the CCA include DARPA’s LongShot program, which is designed to extend weapon range by using an air-launched UAV to deploy missiles.
The CCA concept is closely tied to manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), in which a human operator controls or collaborates with unmanned systems. In this framework, uncrewed aircraft may act as sensors, shooters, or decoys, supporting the human pilot who serves as mission commander. According to the Air Force, AI-enabled software will allow CCAs to operate semi-independently while still under human oversight. The service has tested this operational model with platforms like the XQ-58A Valkyrie and simulated environments using the Joint Simulation Environment.
Both CCAs have been designated under the Mission Design Series: “Y” for prototype, “F” for fighter, “Q” for unmanned, followed by individual sequence numbers (42 and 44) and version indicator “A.” The “Y” prefix will be removed upon entry into production. (Picture source: US Air Force)
While CCAs are initially intended for the U.S. Air Force, similar programs are underway globally. Australia has developed the MQ-28 Ghost Bat. China is developing the GJ-11, LJ-1, and potentially pairing them with a two-seat J-20 stealth fighter variant for control. Other efforts include Japan’s F-X-linked wingman drone, India’s CATS Warrior, Turkey’s Anka-3, and the UK’s previously canceled Mosquito project. International design approaches vary, with some nations opting for modular drones launched from crewed platforms and others building autonomous aircraft with stealth and weapons capabilities. Observers have noted that China’s approach, involving dual-seat fighters and drone control from frontline aircraft, may influence Western programs.
The legislative branch of the U.S. government has also been engaged. The FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (H.Rept. 118-529) encouraged the Air Force to leverage existing propulsion systems and requested briefings on the integration of modular open systems architectures in the CCA and related Navy programs. Members of Congress are also examining the implications of large-scale deployment, including logistics, storage, transport, and autonomy governance.
The YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A were first displayed as full-scale mockups at the September 2024 Air, Space & Cyber Conference. They are the outcome of a multi-phase selection process that began in January 2024, when contracts were awarded to five vendors: General Atomics, Anduril, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman. In April 2024, the Air Force narrowed the field to General Atomics and Anduril for Increment 1 testing. Vendors not selected remain eligible to compete in later increments. A final production decision is expected by FY2026.
The Department of the Air Force has confirmed that the readiness of CCAs, their cost parameters, and their operational role will continue to evolve through experimentation, simulation, and iterative acquisition. These aircraft are intended to provide additional capacity at reduced cost, expand the combat reach of manned fighters, and support the broader objective of maintaining air superiority in contested environments.
