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US Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft program

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-21 17:13 UTC → 2026-09-22 11:30 UTC · added removed

The U.S. Air Force has officially named its first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) models: the FQ-42 Vengeance, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and the FQ-44 Fury, developed by Anduril Industries. These semi-autonomous unmanned aircraft are designed to support manned fighter jets by enhancing range, survivability, and situational awareness, with an initial focus on air-to-air missions. The Air Force intends to procure approximately 1,000 CCAs, aiming for at least 500 in service by 2032. The program utilizes a modular procurement approach that separates airframe acquisition from mission autonomy software. Recent developments include the delivery of an FQ-42 Vengeance to Creech Air Force Base in Nevada on September 18. This fifth-generation unmanned aircraft features an internal weapons bay and low-visibility design. Previous testing has shown the Vengeance completing formation flights with F-35 and F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) reported that it has the capacity to deliver up to six aircraft per month and has established a new low-observable paint facility to support production. The company is currently utilizing its own funds to maintain production momentum while government financing plans are finalized. The CCA program has progressed from contractor selection to initial production in less than three years. Both the FQ-42A and FQ-44A are scheduled to debut in a large-scale combat exercise this December. The Emerald Flag exercise at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida will mark a transition from controlled testing to a large-force employment environment. The drones are expected to operate within an offensive counter-air scenario alongside fourth- and fifth-generation crewed combat aircraft, featuring the first live, end-to-end demonstration of the CCA kill chain.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-22 11:30 UTC US Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft program
  2. 2026-09-21 17:13 UTC US Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft program
  3. 2026-09-19 19:35 UTC US Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft program

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