U.S. Air Force Advances AI‑Powered “Loyal Wingman” Drones

The U.S. Air Force has moved forward with its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, awarding production and software contracts to multiple defense firms for the FQ‑42 and FQ‑44 unmanned fighters. Companies such as General Atomics, Anduril, Shield AI and Collins Aerospace will supply airframes and AI mission software that enable the drones to operate alongside piloted aircraft as “loyal wingmen,” performing tasks like intelligence gathering, electronic warfare and strike missions while maintaining autonomy when communications are jammed.

The program emphasizes low‑cost, high‑volume production, with Anduril’s facilities capable of building up to 150 aircraft per year. The Air Force plans to field 150 CCA drones by the end of the decade, at a projected cost of about $1 billion. The AI systems are designed to make navigation and tactical decisions without continuous human input, but always under human oversight, aiming to reduce risk to pilots and expand combat capabilities.