Air Force picks General Atomics, Anduril to build first CCA drone wingmen
The United States Air Force has received its first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft, accepting Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury and General Atomics' YFQ-42A Vengeance at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. These uncrewed fighter platforms will undergo operator-led testing for autonomous warfare trials alongside crewed fighters. The service has selected General Atomics and Anduril to build the initial loyal wingman drones, while also choosing Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace to compete for the autonomy software contract. The development program features a requested budget of $1.4 billion for fiscal 2027.
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- ✓ The U.S. Air Force received Anduril's YFQ-44A and General Atomics' YFQ-42A at Creech Air Force Base for operator-led testing.
- ✓ The service selected General Atomics and Anduril to build the military's first Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
- ✓ Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace were chosen to compete for the autonomy software contract.
- ✓ The program has a requested development budget of $1.4 billion for fiscal 2027.
What changed
The Air Force took physical delivery of the first two collaborative combat aircraft at Creech Air Force Base, moving the loyal wingman program into operator-led testing.
Live updates
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Air Force Takes Delivery of First Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The United States Air Force has received its first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft, accepting Anduril's YFQ-44A Fury and General Atomics' YFQ-42A Vengeance at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. These uncrewed fighter platforms will undergo operator-led testing for autonomous warfare trials alongside crewed fighters. The service has selected General Atomics and Anduril to build the initial loyal wingman drones, while also choosing Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace to compete for the autonomy software contract. The development program features a requested budget of $1.4 billion for fiscal 2027.
Why it matters
The Collaborative Combat Aircraft program represents a major push by the military to field mass-produced, cost-effective uncrewed wingmen designed to enhance future air superiority. Testing at Creech Air Force Base marks a tangible step toward integrating autonomous drones into operational units alongside human pilots. The service previously laid out plans to acquire a total of 1,000 collaborative combat aircraft and missile-carrying combat drones by the year 2032.
What is confirmed
- The U.S. Air Force received Anduril's YFQ-44A and General Atomics' YFQ-42A at Creech Air Force Base for operator-led testing.
- The service selected General Atomics and Anduril to build the military's first Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
- Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace were chosen to compete for the autonomy software contract.
- The program has a requested development budget of $1.4 billion for fiscal 2027.
Still unconfirmed
- According to Breaking Defense, the program is expected to deliver operational capability by the end of the decade.
What to watch next
- The outcome of the autonomy software contract competition between Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace.
- Results from the operator-led testing of the YFQ-44A Fury and YFQ-42A Vengeance at Creech Air Force Base.
- Congressional action on the requested $1.4 billion development budget for fiscal 2027.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- jumpseataerospacenews.com — Air Force Selects General Atomics, Anduril for CCA Drone ...
- simpleflying.com — The Software Deal That Could Put Anduril Inside Every CCA The ...
- finance.yahoo.com — Anduril's $5 Billion Air Force Contract Finally Has a Name
- www.battlepolicy.com — Air Force Takes Delivery of First Fury, Vengeance CCAs
- www.globalsecurity.org — Collaborative Combat Aircraft arrive at Creech AFB, advancing ...
- defensehere.com — US Air Force receives first two CCA aircraft - Defensehere
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Air Force Receives First Collaborative Combat Aircraft
The United States Air Force has received its first two collaborative combat aircraft at Creech base in Nevada to begin testing autonomous warfare trials alongside crewed fighters. General Atomics delivered an FQ-42 Vengeance aircraft to Creech as uncrewed fighter production and testing accelerate. The service plans to acquire a total of 1,000 cheap collaborative combat aircraft and mass-produced missile-carrying aircraft combat drones by the year 2032. General Atomics and Anduril were previously selected by the Air Force to build these initial autonomous drone wingmen.
Why it matters
The delivery marks a major operational shift as the military moves toward integrating artificial intelligence and uncrewed platforms into active combat formations. These robotic wingmen are designed to fly alongside fourth- and fifth-generation crewed fighter jets. Procurement funding in the fiscal year 2027 budget will ultimately determine the future production pace for the aircraft fleet.
What is confirmed
- The US Air Force received its first two collaborative combat aircraft for testing at Creech base in Nevada.
- General Atomics delivered an FQ-42 Vengeance aircraft to Creech as testing and uncrewed fighter production accelerate.
- The Air Force wants to have 1,000 cheap collaborative combat aircraft and mass-produced missile-carrying aircraft combat drones flying by 2032.
What to watch next
- Fiscal year 2027 budget funding decisions for production
- Performance results from testing at Creech base
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.armyrecognition.com — General Atomics Plans To Rapidly Deliver FQ-42 Vengeance to…
- www.aol.com — Anduril Isn't the Only Private Defense Contractor Building Advanced Air Force Drones
- interestingengineering.com — US Air Force receives first ‘robot wingmen’ drones to begin autonomous warfare trials
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Air Force CCA Drones Prepare for December Exercise
The U.S. Air Force will integrate autonomous fighter drones into the Emerald Flag large-scale combat exercise for the first time this December. General Atomics FQ-42A and Anduril FQ-44A aircraft will fly alongside fourth- and fifth-generation crewed fighters during the exercise. General Atomics states it is prepared to build autonomous aircraft at the scale the Air Force requires. The service plans to procure 1,000 collaborative combat aircraft, targeting 500 operational jets by 2032. Procurement funding in the fiscal year 2027 budget will determine future production.
Why it matters
The upcoming December exercise marks a crucial milestone for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program as these autonomous wingmen move closer to operational integration. General Atomics previously flew its platform alongside a Tactical Air Support F-5 to test autonomy, passive sensing, and open architecture. The company is also opening a Dayton, Ohio innovation hub to support Air Force hardware and software development.
What is confirmed
- The General Atomics FQ-42A and Anduril FQ-44A will fly alongside fourth- and fifth-generation fighters during Emerald Flag in December.
- General Atomics Vice President of Strategic Development Mike Shortsleeve stated at AFA's Air, Space and Cyber conference that the company is ready to build at the rate outlined by the U.S. Air Force.
What to watch next
- Performance and operational outcomes of the FQ-42A and FQ-44A during the December Emerald Flag exercise.
- Inclusion of procurement funding for the program in the fiscal year 2027 budget.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- aviationweek.com — Video: General Atomics On Air Force CCA, MMA Targets
- www.airdatanews.com — US Air Force fighter drones to join large-scale combat exercise for first time
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General Atomics Advances CCA Autonomous Flight Tests and Ohio Hub
General Atomics flew a Collaborative Combat Aircraft alongside a Tactical Air Support F-5 to demonstrate autonomy, passive sensing, and open architecture. The test follows the U.S. Air Force designating the General Atomics platform as the FQ-42 Vengeance and the Anduril platform as the FQ-44 Fury. The service plans to acquire 1,000 autonomous combat aircraft with a target of 500 operational jets by 2032. Additionally, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is opening an innovation hub in Dayton, Ohio, to support hardware and software development for Air Force programs. Production hinges on procurement funding in the fiscal year 2027 budget.
Why it matters
The Air Force is moving toward a massive expansion of combat mass through autonomous wingmen. General Atomics and Anduril were selected to build the initial fleet, though production cannot start without authorized procurement dollars. Industry partners are actively demonstrating capabilities and establishing specialized development infrastructure while awaiting final budget allocations.
What is confirmed
- General Atomics flew a Collaborative Combat Aircraft alongside a Tactical Air Support F-5 to test passive sensing, autonomy, and open architecture.
- General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is opening an innovation hub in Dayton, Ohio, to support hardware and software development for U.S. Air Force programs.
- The U.S. Air Force designated the General Atomics platform as the FQ-42 Vengeance and the Anduril platform as the FQ-44 Fury.
- The Air Force aims to acquire 1,000 autonomous combat aircraft, targeting 500 operational jets by 2032.
Still unconfirmed
- Company officials warn that production cannot begin without the fiscal year 2027 budget providing necessary procurement dollars.
What to watch next
- Approval of the fiscal year 2027 budget providing procurement dollars for production
- Operational milestones and flight test updates from Anduril and General Atomics
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- aerospaceglobalnews.com — General Atomics showcases passive kill chain with CCA and F-5
- thedefensepost.com — GA-ASI to Support US Air Force UAS Programs With Innovation Hub in Ohio
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Air Force Names CCA Drones Vengeance and Fury
The U.S. Air Force officially named its initial Collaborative Combat Aircraft fleet, designating the General Atomics platform as the FQ-42 Vengeance and the Anduril platform as the FQ-44 Fury. The service intends to acquire 1,000 autonomous combat aircraft, targeting 500 operational jets by 2032 to expand combat mass. Anduril displayed a mockup of its production model at the AFA Air, Space & Cyber Conference 2026. However, company officials warn that production cannot begin without the fiscal year 2027 budget providing necessary procurement dollars.
Why it matters
The Collaborative Combat Aircraft program represents a major push to integrate semi-autonomous wingmen alongside crewed fighter jets for networked air operations. The Air Force already selected General Atomics and Anduril for the initial phase while discussing requirements for a subsequent Increment 2. Other defense contractors continue developing competing concepts, including Lockheed Martin, which plans a 2027 flight for its Vectis drone.
What is confirmed
- The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire 1,000 autonomous combat aircraft, with 500 operational by 2032.
- The service named its first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft the FQ-42 Vengeance and the FQ-44 Fury.
- Anduril vice president for strategy execution Erin Simpson stated the company cannot start production without the FY27 budget.
Still unconfirmed
- Lockheed's Vectis CCA is set to fly in 2027 and has received a production boost.
- The military plans to select a second batch of drones next year.
What to watch next
- Passage of the FY27 budget to fund production contracts for Anduril and General Atomics
- Service decisions on Increment 2 requirements and additional vendor contracts
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- www.armyrecognition.com — U.S. Air Force Targets 1,000 Autonomous Combat Aircraft CCA With 500 Operational by 2032.
- www.defensedaily.com — USAF Discussing CCA, Increment 2 Attributes
- www.yahoo.com — Air Force officially names semi autonomous combat-ready jets with Ohio roots
- aviationweek.com — Video: Mockup Of First Production Model Anduril FQ-44 On Display At AFA
- breakingdefense.com — Anduril officials say company can’t start on CCA production contract without FY27 budget
- theaviationist.com — Anduril’s YFQ-44A Fury Expands Its Weapons Options With Air-to-Ground Munitions
- www.airdatanews.com — US Air Force names FQ-42 Vengeance and FQ-44 Fury combat drones
- www.tectonicdefense.com — Lockheed’s Vectis CCA, Set to Fly in 2027, Gets a Production Boost
- aerospaceglobalnews.com — Vengeance and Fury lead USAF push for 1,000 autonomous combat aircraft
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Air Force selects General Atomics and Anduril for first CCA drones
The US Air Force chose General Atomics and Anduril to produce the initial group of Collaborative Combat Aircraft. These semi-autonomous drones will fly alongside manned aircraft to support networked air combat. While the Air Force manages the platform selection, DARPA is working to advance AI systems from visual-range dogfights to combat beyond visual range. Other firms including Northrop Grumman and Saab continue to develop their own concepts as the military prepares to select a second batch of drones next year.
Why it matters
The CCA program shifts air combat toward a manned-unmanned teaming model to increase force mass. This strategy reduces risk to human pilots by using autonomous wingmen for high-threat missions.
What is confirmed
- General Atomics and Anduril will build the first batch of Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
- The CCA program focuses on semi-autonomous drones that operate with manned aircraft.
Still unconfirmed
- AI-enabled systems currently fly mock dogfights within visual range of each other.
- DARPA aims to unlock air combat beyond visual range.
What to watch next
- Air Force selection of the second batch of drone developers next year
- DARPA progress on beyond visual range autonomy
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- aerospaceglobalnews.com — How fighter pilots are preparing to fly with autonomous wingmen
- aviationweek.com — DARPA Prepares To Tackle Next CCA Autonomy Challenge
- interestingengineering.com — US Army picks Boeing and Anduril for its next-gen cruise missile defense
- www.sportsgrid.com — White Sox vs Twins Final Score — Aug 30
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Air Force picks General Atomics, Anduril for CCA drone wingmen
The US Air Force has selected General Atomics and Anduril to build the first batch of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone wingmen. The program aims to develop semi-autonomous drones that can operate alongside manned aircraft. Northrop Grumman and Saab are also developing their own CCA concepts, with the Air Force planning to narrow the selection for the second batch of drones next year.
Why it matters
The CCA program is a key part of the Air Force's efforts to integrate autonomous systems into its operations. The selected drones are expected to provide a range of capabilities, including reconnaissance and combat. The program's progress will be closely watched by the defense industry and military analysts.
What is confirmed
- General Atomics and Anduril are the primary production partners for the first wing of semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
- The Air Force intends to narrow the selection for the second batch of drones next year, with as many as six designs potentially advancing.
- Northrop Grumman is preparing the YFQ-48A for its initial flight.
- Saab has introduced the A3-001 concept for the CCA program.
- The Navy wants prototypes that cost less than $30M and can operate "directly from the sea".
- The US National Guard will receive 28 Gray Eagle 25M drones for long-range precision fires.
Still unconfirmed
- The Navy favors a large, fighter-size aircraft for autonomous combat roles.
What to watch next
- The Air Force's selection process for the second batch of CCA drones
- The development and testing of the YFQ-48A and A3-001 concepts
- The Navy's prototype development for its CCA program
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.enr.com — Army Picks Five Developers for $2.2B Microreactor Program
- www.armyrecognition.com — U.S. National Guard to Receive 28 Gray Eagle 25M Drones for Long-Range Precision Fires.
- www.tectonicdefense.com — Navy Issues RFI for its CCA Program
- aviationweek.com — U.S. Navy Goes Big On CCAs For Future Carrier Air Wing
- www.yahoo.com — Fort Bragg, 4 other installations in pact for nuclear microreactors
- www.govconwire.com — Palantir, Anduril Win $192M in Army TITAN Production Orders
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US Air Force CCA Program Expands as Northrop and Saab Reveal New Concepts
General Atomics and Anduril remain the primary production partners for the first wing of semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Northrop Grumman is preparing the YFQ-48A for its initial flight, while Saab has introduced the A3-001 concept. The Air Force intends to narrow the selection for the second batch of drones next year, with as many as six designs potentially advancing. These developments signal a shift from initial production toward a broader competition for future increments of the robotic wingman fleet.
Why it matters
The CCA program aims to pair manned fighters with autonomous drones to increase combat capacity. These drones operate as force multipliers, handling tasks that reduce risk to human pilots. The current phase establishes the baseline for autonomous flight and integration.
Still unconfirmed
- The Northrop Grumman YFQ-48A is approaching its first flight.
- Saab intends to fly its first A3-001 demonstrator within 18 months.
- Saab plans to build three A3-001 prototypes.
- The YFQ-48A may play a role in CCA Increment 2.
What to watch next
- The Air Force downselect for the second CCA batch next year
- The first flight of the YFQ-48A
- The flight of the first A3-001 demonstrator
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.aviationtoday.com — F135 Engine Core Upgrade Set For Key Design Review Next Month, As CCA Engine Picture Clarifies
- theaviationist.com — Saab Unveils A3-001 Collaborative Combat Aircraft Concept
- aerospaceglobalnews.com — Everything you need to know about the Talon Blue
- www.yahoo.com — US Army taps 5 firms to build on-base microreactors in nuclear energy push
- www.defensedaily.com — Army Chooses Five Companies To Build Janus Reactors At Military Sites
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Air Force picks General Atomics, Anduril to build first CCA drone wingmen
The US Air Force has awarded production contracts to General Atomics and Anduril for semi-autonomous drones. Anduril's Ohio-based facility has produced its first YFQ-44A unmanned aircraft for the CCA program. The Air Force plans a downselect for the second CCA batch next year. Up to six designs could move ahead in the next robot-wingman effort.
What's confirmed:
- The US Air Force awarded production contracts in June 2026 to General Atomics and Anduril for Increment 1 semi-autonomous drones.
- Anduril's Ohio-based facility produced its first YFQ-44A unmanned, semi-autonomous aircraft.
- The concept refinement phase of CCA Increment 2 could wrap by May 2027.
- A separate competition to replace the MQ-9A Reaper is expected to kick off a concept refinement stage early in the next fiscal year.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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Air Force Awards First Production Contracts for CCA Drone Wingmen
The U.S. Air Force awarded production contracts in June 2026 to General Atomics and Anduril for Increment 1 semi-autonomous drones. These AI-piloted aircraft will fly alongside crewed fighters. The service is also procuring mission autonomy software from multiple vendors.
What's confirmed:
- General Atomics and Anduril were awarded production contracts in June 2026 for Collaborative Combat Aircraft Increment 1.
- The General Atomics aircraft is designated as the FQ-42A and the Anduril aircraft is the FQ-44A.
- The Air Force is procuring mission autonomy software and air vehicles from a multi-vendor environment including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI.
- The program decouples aircraft hardware from autonomy software procurement.
Still unconfirmed:
- The Air Force plans to deploy around 1,000 combat-capable CCAs.
- The Air Force intends to procure more than 150 combat-capable units by 2030.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- U.S. Air Force Taps Two Vendors to Build AI Fighter Drones
- US Air Force Awards First Production Contracts for Collaborative Combat ...
- US Air Force Awards CCA Contracts to Multiple Vendors
- June drone digest: Landmark CCA contract and deep-strike capability ...
- Air Force Advances Future Air Superiority with CCA Contracts
- Anduril, Mach Win Key Military Drone Contracts
- Unmanned Systems Archives - Defense Daily
- Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) - Aviation Week
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USAF Awards CCA Production Contracts to General Atomics and Anduril
The U.S. Air Force selected General Atomics and Anduril Industries to produce the first operational drone wingmen for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. These aircraft will function as part of the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative. The service intends to procure more than 150 combat-capable units by 2030.
What's confirmed:
- General Atomics and Anduril Industries received production contracts for Increment 1 of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
- The USAF aims to procure over 150 combat-capable CCA units by the end of the decade.
- The CCA program falls under the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative.
- General Atomics will build the FQ-42A Dark Merlin and Anduril will build the FQ-44 Fury.
- Production contracts were awarded four months ahead of schedule.
- The USAF awarded mission autonomy production contracts to six companies, including Lockheed Martin, Anduril, and General Atomics.
- The Air Force is using a hardware-software decoupled procurement model.
Still unconfirmed:
- The Air Force will use both the FQ-42 and FQ-44 drones rather than choosing one over the other.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- Anduril and General Atomics Just Officially Won the Air Force's Drone ...
- Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) (Increment 1) [USAF]
- USAF Selects Anduril, General Atomics for CCA Drone Wingmen
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- Air Force picks Anduril, GA-ASI for fighter-class drone production
- U.S. Air Force Awards CCA Contracts to Both General Atomics and Anduril ...
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Air Force Awards First CCA Production Contracts to General Atomics and Anduril
The U.S. Air Force awarded production contracts for Increment 1 of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program on June 17. General Atomics and Anduril Industries will build the first operational drones. The service aims to field more than 150 combat-capable units by the end of the decade.
What's confirmed:
- The Air Force awarded production contracts for Collaborative Combat Aircraft to Anduril and General Atomics on June 17.
- These contracts cover Increment 1 of the CCA program.
Still unconfirmed:
- The drones are designated as the FQ-42A and FQ-44A.
- The program targets more than 150 combat-capable drones by the end of the decade.
- Unit costs are capped near one-third the cost of an F-35A.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (6)
- Air Force Orders Both Anduril and General Atomics Drone Wingmen into ...
- US Air Force awards first CCA production contracts to Gen...
- Air Force Awards CCA Increment 1 Contracts — Collaborative Combat ...
- Air Force Awards CCA Production Contracts to Anduril and…
- USAF Awards CCA Production: General Atomics & Anduril Build - List25
- Air Force picks Anduril, General Atomics to build first operational CCA ...
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Air Force Moves General Atomics and Anduril CCA Drones to Production
The U.S. Air Force is ordering the first Collaborative Combat Aircraft into serial production. General Atomics and Anduril Industries will build the initial drone airframes. The service intends to field 1,000 semi-autonomous drones by the late 2030s.
What's confirmed:
- General Atomics and Anduril Industries will produce the first Collaborative Combat Aircraft drones.
- The Air Force aims to deploy at least 1,000 semi-autonomous drones by the late 2030s.
Still unconfirmed:
- The General Atomics drone is designated as the YFQ-42A or FQ-42A.
- The Anduril drone is designated as the YFQ-44A or FQ-44A.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (2)
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Air Force Awards Production Contracts for CCA Drone Wingmen
The U.S. Air Force has selected General Atomics and Anduril Industries to produce airframes for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. Six additional companies will handle software development. The service aims to deploy at least 1,000 semi-autonomous drones by the late 2030s.
What's confirmed:
- General Atomics and Anduril Industries will build airframes for the drone wingmen.
- The Air Force intends to field at least 1,000 aircraft by the late 2030s.
- Six companies were selected for software development of the collaborative combat aircraft.
Still unconfirmed:
- Anduril will provide mission autonomy for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
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Air Force Awards First CCA Production Contracts to General Atomics and Anduril
The U.S. Air Force has moved its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program from prototype to full-scale manufacturing. General Atomics and Anduril Industries will build the first fleet of semi-autonomous drone wingmen. The service intends to field at least 1,000 of these aircraft by the late 2030s.
What's confirmed:
- General Atomics will produce the FQ-42 CCA.
- Anduril will produce the FQ-44 CCA.
- The Air Force aims to field at least 1,000 drones by the late 2030s.
- Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace are competing to provide the autonomy software.
- The CCA program is designed to provide semi-autonomous capabilities that are cheaper than human-piloted fighters.
Still unconfirmed:
- Six other companies will compete to develop autonomy software.
- The CCA will work with the future F-47 fighter.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (24)
- Air Force advances future of air superiority with CCA contracts
- US Air Force awards production contracts to General Atomics, Anduril for drone wingmen
- Shield AI awarded U.S. Air Force production contract for Collaborative Combat Aircraft mission autonomy
- Anduril Wins Production Contract for U.S. Air Force CCA Program
- Air Force picks General Atomics, Anduril to build first CCA drone wingmen
- USAF Awards CCA Production Contracts To Anduril, General Atomics
- U.S Air Force Awards GA-ASI Production Contract for FQ-42A CCA
- Air Force picks General Atomics, Anduril to build first CCA drone wingmen
- Anduril, General Atomics get Air Force contracts to build first drone wingmen
- Air Force picks five firms to build autonomy package for drone wingmen
- US Air Force awards production contracts to General Atomics, Anduril for drone wingmen
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