DefenseUSAF’s drone wingmen poised for first flights
The US Air Force (USAF) is preparing to fly the first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) prototypes in the coming days, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine. The unmanned fighters—designed to operate as “loyal wingmen” for stealth jets—are now moving from ground testing to flight trials.
Two contenders are ready: the YFQ-44A Fury, developed by Anduril Industries, and the YFQ-42A, built by General Atomics. “I’d be surprised if they don’t fly this week,” a Pentagon official said on August 22. Both aircraft have completed engine-on and taxi trials since May.
Anduril’s drone will take off from Southern California Logistics Airport, while General Atomics will fly its prototype out of Gray Butte, a site long used for testing the Predator, Reaper, and Avenger UAVs.
The Air Force has not disclosed when the flights will happen, and media will not be present, but industry sources expect imagery and video to be released soon afterward.
Each CCA is projected to cost about $30 million, compared to more than $90 million for a new F-35A. In their first phase, the drones will expand the missile loadout of F-22s and F-35s without compromising stealth, giving US pilots greater firepower in high-end air battles.
The service has floated plans to buy as many as 1,000 CCAs, with production contracts expected in FY2026. Congressional leaders have pressured the Air Force to accelerate the program, which could see budget allocations topping $3 billion annually by the end of the decade.
About the Author
Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
