General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. and Anduril’s collaborative combat aircraft—a.k.a. CCA—prototypes are undergoing evaluation as part of the ground test phase of the U.S. Air Force’s CCA Increment 1 program.
The CCA program aims to integrate low-cost, modular unmanned aircraft into the future force to extend operational reach, enhance survivability and increase lethality in contested environments while keeping warfighters safe, the Air Force said Thursday.
In 2024, GA-ASI and Anduril were selected to build new uncrewed jet fighters called the YFQ-42A and the YFQ-44A, respectively. The Air Force began the ground test phase of the drones after the CCA designs cleared critical design reviews by the end of 2024.
CCA Aimed to Bring Decisive Advantage to Warfighters
Both unmanned aircraft will undergo rigorous evaluations focused on propulsion systems, avionics, autonomy integration and ground control interfaces. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin said the current test phase would reduce integration risks and lay the groundwork “for a successful first flight and eventual fielding to the warfighter.”
The Air Force expects to make a competitive Increment 1 production decision in fiscal year 2026, with Increment 2 development efforts to begin afterward to expand mission applications and integrate emerging technologies.
According to Allvin, the service branch accelerates the CCA development efforts, citing the warfighters’ need for the capability and the decisive advantage it will bring to highly contested environments.
Commenting on both drones, he said GA-ASI and Anduril’s aircraft will help turn readiness into operational dominance.
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