U.S. Air Force Awards Production Contracts for Collaborative Combat Aircraft Drones
The U.S. Air Force awarded production contracts to General Atomics and Anduril Industries for the first fleet of at least 150 semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), designated FQ-42A and FQ-44A, to team with manned fighters like the F-35. Contracts were awarded four months ahead of schedule, with a cost target under $30 million per unit. The program separates hardware from software development, with autonomy contracts also awarded. The Air Force aims for a total fleet of around 1,000 CCAs by the end of the decade.
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US Air Force awards first Collaborative Combat Aircraft production contracts to General Atomics and Anduril
The U.S. Air Force has cleared its first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to enter production, awarding contracts to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for its FQ-42A and Anduril Industries for its FQ-44A as part of CCA Increment 1. The decision, announced four months ahead of schedule, marks the shift from prototype to production for these semi-autonomous unmanned 'loyal wingmen' designed to operate alongside crewed fighters like the F-35 and F-47. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink expressed confidence in procuring over 150 combat-capable CCA by the end of the decade, with a long-term goal of roughly 1,000. Separately, the Air Force launched a competition for the autonomous software to operate the CCA, selecting Anduril, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI for initial development rounds. A single primary software provider is expected by summer 2027, using a government-owned modular architecture to avoid vendor lock-in.
Defense NewsUS Air Force Awards First CCA Production Contracts to General Atomics and Anduril
The U.S. Air Force has awarded its first production contracts for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to General Atomics (FQ-42A) and Anduril Industries (FQ-44A), clearing the semi-autonomous drones to move from prototype to full-scale manufacturing four months ahead of schedule. The CCA, often called 'loyal wingmen,' are jet-powered unmanned aircraft designed to operate alongside crewed fighters like the F-35 and F-47, extending their sensors and weapons while reducing pilot risk. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed the service aims to acquire over 150 combat-capable CCA by the end of the decade, with a long-term goal of roughly 1,000. Separately, the Air Force opened a competition for the autonomous software that will operate the drones, selecting Anduril, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI for initial development rounds. The service plans to name a single primary software provider by summer 2027, using a modular open-systems architecture to avoid vendor lock-in.
Military TimesUS Air Force Awards First Collaborative Combat Aircraft Production Contracts to General Atomics and Anduril
The U.S. Air Force has awarded its first production contracts for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (FQ-42A) and Anduril Industries (FQ-44A), moving the semi-autonomous unmanned aircraft from prototype to production four months ahead of schedule. The CCA, often called 'loyal wingmen,' are jet-powered drones designed to fly alongside crewed fighters like the F-35 and F-47, extending their capabilities while taking on risk. The Air Force aims to acquire over 150 combat-capable CCA by the end of the decade, with a long-term goal of approximately 1,000. Separately, a competition was opened for the autonomy software, with Anduril, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI selected for initial development. The service plans to select a primary software provider by summer 2027, using an open-systems architecture to avoid vendor lock-in.
Military TimesUS Air Force awards first Collaborative Combat Aircraft production contracts to General Atomics and Anduril
The U.S. Air Force has cleared its first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to enter production, awarding contracts to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the FQ-42A and Anduril Industries for the FQ-44A as part of CCA Increment 1. The decision was announced four months ahead of schedule. These jet-powered, semi-autonomous unmanned aircraft, often called 'loyal wingmen,' are designed to fly alongside crewed fighters like the F-35 and planned F-47, extending their sensors and weapons while reducing risk to pilots. The Air Force plans to buy more than 150 combat-capable CCA by the end of the decade, with a long-term goal of roughly 1,000. Separately, the service opened a competition for the autonomous software that will operate the CCA, with six companies winning spots in a six-year pool. Anduril, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI were selected for the first round of head-to-head software development. The Air Force will use a government-owned open architecture to avoid vendor lock-in and plans to name a primary software provider by summer 2027.
Air Force TimesUS Air Force Awards First Collaborative Combat Aircraft Production Contracts to General Atomics and Anduril
The U.S. Air Force has awarded its first production contracts for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril Industries, moving the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A from prototype to production four months ahead of schedule. These semi-autonomous, jet-powered 'loyal wingmen' are designed to fly alongside crewed fighters like the F-35 and F-47, extending their capabilities and reducing pilot risk. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed the service aims to acquire over 150 combat-capable CCAs by the end of the decade, with a long-term goal of roughly 1,000. Separately, the Air Force opened a competition for the autonomous software, selecting Anduril, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI for initial development rounds. A single primary software provider is expected by summer 2027, using a government-owned reference architecture to avoid vendor lock-in.
Defense NewsUS Air Force Clears First Collaborative Combat Aircraft for Production, Awards Contracts to General Atomics and Anduril
The U.S. Air Force has cleared its first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to enter production, awarding initial contracts to General Atomics (for the FQ-42A) and Anduril Industries (for the FQ-44A) as part of CCA Increment 1, achieving this milestone four months ahead of schedule. These semi-autonomous jet-powered 'loyal wingmen' are designed to fly alongside crewed fighters like the F-35 and planned F-47. The service plans to field more than 150 combat-capable CCAs by decade-end, with a long-term goal of roughly 1,000. Separately, the Air Force opened a software competition with six companies, selecting Anduril, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI for initial autonomous software development. The service will use a modular open-systems architecture to avoid vendor lock-in and plans to select a primary software provider by summer 2027.
Air Force TimesUS Air Force Awards First Collaborative Combat Aircraft Production Contracts to General Atomics and Anduril
The U.S. Air Force announced Wednesday that it has cleared its first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to enter production, awarding contracts to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the FQ-42A and Anduril Industries for the FQ-44A, four months ahead of schedule. These jet-powered, semi-autonomous unmanned aircraft, known as "loyal wingmen," are designed to fly alongside crewed fighters like the F-35 and F-47, extending sensors and weapons while reducing risk to pilots. The Air Force plans to buy more than 150 combat-capable CCA by the end of the decade, with a long-term goal of roughly 1,000. Separately, the service opened a six-year competition for the autonomy software, selecting Anduril, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI for the first of two six-month rounds. A single primary software provider for Increment 1 is expected to be named by summer 2027. The program uses a government-owned open architecture to avoid vendor lock-in.
Defense NewsUS Air Force awards first Collaborative Combat Aircraft production contracts to General Atomics and Anduril
The U.S. Air Force has officially cleared its first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for production, awarding contracts to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems for the FQ-42A and Anduril Industries for the FQ-44A. The decision, announced on June 18, 2026, was reached four months ahead of schedule, dropping the 'Y' prototype prefix to signal full-scale manufacturing. The semi-autonomous jet-powered drones, often called 'loyal wingmen,' are designed to operate alongside crewed fighters like the F-35 and planned F-47. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed the service plans to purchase over 150 combat-capable CCA by the end of the decade, with a long-term goal of roughly 1,000 aircraft. Separately, the Air Force opened a six-year software competition for mission autonomy, with Anduril, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI selected for initial development rounds. The program uses a government-owned open architecture to avoid vendor lock-in.
Military TimesUS Air Force Awards Contracts for Collaborative Combat Aircraft and Autonomy Software
The US Department of the Air Force has awarded multiple contracts for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme, separating air vehicle procurement from mission autonomy software development. General Atomics and Anduril received contracts for engineering, manufacturing, and production of CCA Increment 1 air vehicles (designated FQ-42 and FQ-44), with plans to procure over 150 units by the end of the decade. In parallel, six-year baseline contracts for autonomy software were awarded to Anduril, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI, with production options for accelerated software deployment. The Air Force also introduced a licensing approach linking payment to operational suitability. The program aims to deploy around 1,000 combat-capable CCAs, with a fiscal 2026 budget request of $2.7 billion, a $1.7 billion increase.
Airforce TechnologyUS Air Force Awards Contracts for Collaborative Combat Aircraft and Autonomy Software
The US Department of the Air Force has awarded multiple contracts under its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme, separating hardware procurement from mission autonomy software development. General Atomics and Anduril received contracts for engineering, manufacturing, and production of CCA Increment 1 air vehicles (designated FQ-42 and FQ-44), with plans to procure over 150 units by the end of the decade. Separately, six-year baseline contracts for mission autonomy software were awarded to Anduril, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI. Production options for accelerated software availability went to Anduril, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI, with a primary autonomy provider expected by summer 2027. The Air Force aims to deploy around 1,000 combat-capable CCAs and requested $2.7bn for FY2026, a $1.7bn increase.
Airforce TechnologyUS Air Force Awards Contracts for Collaborative Combat Aircraft and Autonomy Software
The US Department of the Air Force awarded multiple contracts for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, separating hardware and software procurement. General Atomics and Anduril received contracts for CCA Increment 1 air vehicles (FQ-42 and FQ-44), supporting production of over 150 units by decade's end. Separately, six-year mission autonomy software contracts were awarded to Anduril, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI. Production options for software went to Anduril, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI, with a primary provider selection expected by summer 2027. The Air Force plans to deploy around 1,000 combat-capable CCAs and requested $2.7 billion for the program in FY2026, a $1.7 billion increase.
Airforce TechnologyU.S. Air Force Awards Production Contracts for Anduril and General Atomics Collaborative Combat Aircraft
On June 17, 2026, the U.S. Air Force awarded production contracts to Anduril Industries for its FQ-44 and General Atomics for its FQ-42 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), marking a major milestone in the Pentagon's effort to field semi-autonomous fighter-type drones. The decision came months ahead of schedule, with Anduril becoming the first new entrant in over 50 years to win a U.S. fighter production program. The Air Force aims to procure more than 150 combat-capable CCAs by the end of the decade, with options for additional orders based on performance and cost. Anduril's FQ-44, developed from the Fury design, achieved flight testing in October 2025 after receiving a prototype award in April 2024, compressing a traditionally decade-long development cycle into roughly two years. The aircraft are designed to operate alongside crewed jets like the F-35 as 'loyal wingmen,' multiplying combat capability without increasing pilot risk.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsAnduril and General Atomics Win U.S. Air Force Contracts to Build First Drone Wingmen
The U.S. Air Force has awarded initial production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics to build Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone wingmen, selecting both companies after a two-year competition. Northrop Grumman’s self-funded entry was not selected. The contracts cover three production lots, though exact numbers and costs were not disclosed. The Air Force aims to buy each CCA for about one-third the cost of an F-35 and procure over 150 combat-capable units by the end of the decade. Both companies experienced prototyping setbacks: General Atomics’ YFQ-42A Dark Merlin crashed in April due to an autopilot error, while Anduril’s YFQ-44A Fury faced months-long software delays before its first flight in October. The Air Force also awarded mission-autonomy software production options to six companies: Anduril, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, Shield AI, Northrop Grumman, and RTX Collins. Among these, Anduril, Shield AI, and RTX Collins received additional contracts and will compete to build the final autonomous software, with a final selection expected by Summer 2027. The program also has nine vendors competing for Increment 2 of the CCA program.
Defense One - All ContentAnduril and General Atomics Win Air Force Contracts to Build First Drone Wingmen
The U.S. Air Force awarded initial production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics to build the first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone wingmen, selecting them over Northrop Grumman. The Increment 1 contracts cover three lots of drones, with the goal of procuring over 150 combat-capable CCAs by the end of the decade. The Air Force is beating its cost target of about one-third the price of an F-35. Separately, six companies received contracts to develop the mission autonomy software, with Anduril, Shield AI, and RTX Collins competing for the final autonomous software platform. Both Anduril and General Atomics faced prototype setbacks, including a crash of General Atomics' YFQ-42A and software delays for Anduril's YFQ-44A. The Air Force plans a final software selection by Summer 2027.
Defense One - All ContentAnduril and General Atomics Win Air Force Contracts to Build First Drone Wingmen
The U.S. Air Force has awarded initial production contracts to Anduril and General Atomics to build the first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone wingmen, selecting them over Northrop Grumman. The Increment 1 contracts cover three lots of drones, with the Air Force aiming to buy each at roughly one-third the cost of an F-35. The Pentagon is seeking nearly $1 billion for CCAs in the 2027 budget. Both companies faced setbacks during prototyping: General Atomics' YFQ-42A crashed due to an autopilot error, and Anduril's YFQ-44A experienced software delays. Additionally, the Air Force awarded mission-autonomy production options to six companies, with Anduril, Shield AI, and RTX Collins competing to build the final autonomous software. A final selection for the autonomy software is expected by Summer 2027. The Air Force plans to procure over 150 combat-capable CCAs by the end of the decade.
Defense One - All ContentUSAF Orders Both General Atomics FQ-42 and Anduril FQ-44 Collaborative Combat Aircraft Into Production
The U.S. Air Force has awarded production contracts for both the General Atomics FQ-42A Dark Merlin and Anduril FQ-44A Fury drones, moving forward with a split initial fleet of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The contracts were awarded four months ahead of schedule, reflecting confidence that the designs meet rigorous mission requirements. The Air Force plans to procure over 150 combat-capable CCAs by the end of the decade, with nearly $1 billion requested in the FY2027 budget. The split-buy approach reduces program risk and leverages the distinct strengths of each design. The CCA effort is also divided into hardware and software segments, with autonomy treated as a separate, updatable component. Testing of the prototypes began in 2025, with a pause for the Dark Merlin after a crash, and has since resumed. The service aims to field the first operational examples toward the end of the decade.
The War ZoneUSAF Awards Production Contracts for Both General Atomics FQ-42 and Anduril FQ-44 Drones
The U.S. Air Force has awarded production contracts for both General Atomics' FQ-42A Dark Merlin and Anduril's FQ-44A Fury drones, choosing a split-buy approach for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Increment 1 program instead of selecting a single design. The contracts were awarded four months ahead of schedule, following flight testing of both prototypes in 2025 (with a pause in Dark Merlin testing after a crash). The Air Force plans to procure over 150 combat-capable CCAs by the end of the decade and has requested nearly $1 billion in FY2027 for initial procurement. Officials emphasized that operating both distinct designs reduces program risk and expands operational flexibility. The CCA effort is further split into separate hardware and software segments, with multiple companies including Lockheed Martin and Shield AI involved in the software autonomy side.
The War ZoneUSAF Orders Both General Atomics FQ-42 and Anduril FQ-44 Collaborative Combat Aircraft Into Production
The U.S. Air Force has awarded production contracts for both the General Atomics FQ-42A Dark Merlin and Anduril FQ-44A Fury drones, moving forward with a split initial fleet of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The contracts were awarded four months ahead of schedule, reflecting confidence in the designs after they first flew in 2025. The Air Force plans to procure over 150 combat-capable CCAs by the end of the decade, with nearly $1 billion requested in the FY2027 budget. The split-buy approach reduces program risk and leverages the distinct strengths of each design. The CCA effort is also divided into hardware and software segments, with autonomy treated as a separate procurement to enable rapid software updates. The decision underscores the Air Force's urgency to field semi-autonomous systems to maintain a tactical edge against pacing challenges.
The War ZoneUS Air Force Selects General Atomics and Anduril for Collaborative Combat Aircraft Production
The US Air Force has selected General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril Industries to build the first fleet of semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), based on their YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A drone prototypes. Announced on June 17, the engineering and manufacturing development and production contracts cover at least 150 CCAs by the end of the decade for the program's first increment. The Air Force also awarded production options to Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace for the critical mission autonomy software. The service aims for a fleet of around 1,000 CCAs to augment manned fighters like the F-35 and F-47. The contract value is classified, but the Air Force stated it is meeting its goal of roughly less than $30 million per aircraft, about one-third the cost of an F-35. The production aircraft will drop the 'Y' prototype designation and become the FQ-42A and FQ-44A.
Air & Space Forces MagazineUS Air Force Selects General Atomics and Anduril for Collaborative Combat Aircraft Production
The US Air Force announced on June 17 that it has selected General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril Industries to build the first fleet of semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), designated the FQ-42A and FQ-44A respectively. The awards cover engineering, manufacturing, and development contracts for at least 150 aircraft by the end of the decade, with options for more. Additionally, Anduril, Shield AI, and Collins Aerospace were chosen to develop the autonomy software, beating out Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and General Atomics. The CCAs are designed to fly alongside manned fighters like the F-35 and F-47, performing strike, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and jamming missions. The Air Force ultimately plans a fleet of about 1,000 CCAs. Program officials stated the contract value is classified but meets the goal of costing one-third as much as an F-35, or under $30 million per unit. The production aircraft have been refined through ground and flight testing in 2025.
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