collaborative combat aircraft Archives

A Boeing Defence Australia’s MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a production representative test aircraft, performs a flyover during Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 over Rota, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, June 25, 2026. (U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Adrien Tran)

After Valiant Shield exercise, PACAF commander says he’s ‘impressed’ with Australia’s Ghost Bat drone program

The MQ-28 Ghost Bat drone recently flew with manned fighter aircraft during a recent multinational exercise in the Pacific.

2 hours ago By Jon Harper

Anduril unveils Thunder attack helicopter, a new loyal wingman drone

Anduril believes Thunder could serve as a loyal wingman platform for the Army's helicopter fleet, including the AH-64 Apache and the next-gen MV-75 Cheyenne II.

Jul 20, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

Screenshot from video released by Anduril depicting a missile shot from its YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

Air Force reaches CCA milestone with live-firing of missile from Anduril’s robotic fighter jet

“We’re one step closer to delivering capabilities to the warfighter,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach said in a statement.

Jul 15, 2026 By Jon Harper

Air Force picks Anduril, General Atomics to build first operational CCA drones

The Air Force has also selected Anduril, Shield AI and Collins Aerospace to compete for the contract to serve as CCA Increment 1's primary mission autonomy software…

Jun 17, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

A U.S. Marine Corps XQ-58A Valkyrie, highly autonomous, low-cost tactical unmanned air vehicle, conducts its second test flight with two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to 33rd Fighter Wing, 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Feb. 23, 2023. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. John McRell)

Marine Corps charts path for future aviation ops led by drones

The Marine Corps is targeting 2029 to begin operational testing of its MUX TACAIR drone, while simultaneously exploring how exquisite unmanned systems can be used for other…

May 1, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

Air Force wants almost $1B to buy first CCA drones in 2027

If approved by lawmakers, the Air Force's budget request would kick off procurement of CCA Increment 1.

Apr 6, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

A YFQ-44A, part of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, undergoes an undated captive carry test at a California test location. This test phase uses inert munitions to methodically validate weapons integration, structural performance and safety, ensuring the platform can safely carry external stores. (Courtesy Air Force photo)

Air Force begins adding weapons to CCA drone flight tests

The service recently started flying Anduril's YFQ-44A prototype with AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles attached to it.

Feb 24, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

YFQ-42 aircraft sit on the flightline at a California test location as part of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft flight test campaign. (Courtesy Air Force photo)

Air Force begins testing mission autonomy package for CCA prototypes

General Atomics and Anduril are working with Collins Aerospace and Shield AI, respectively, to integrate mission autonomy software onto their CCA prototypes and conduct semi-autonomous flights.

Feb 12, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

A YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft takes off during flight testing at a California test location. (Courtesy photo)

Marine Corps brings General Atomics into CCA program for autonomy development

The Marines will use General Atomics’ YFQ-42A aircraft to evaluate how the service’s future loyal wingman drones will integrate with and fly alongside crewed fighter jets.

Feb 10, 2026 By Mikayla Easley

An XQ-58A Valkyrie flies next to an F-35. (Marine Corps photo)

Marine Corps picks Northrop Grumman, Kratos team to build CCA drones

Northrop Grumman and Kratos have received a $231.5 million deal to deliver the Marine Corps' first loyal wingman drone under the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary…

Jan 8, 2026 By Mikayla Easley