USAF YFQ-42A/44A collaborative combat aircraft complete austere environment exercise at Creech AFB

Published Jul 29, 10:40 PM UTC

The U.S. Air Force's YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) deployed to Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, for an exercise focused on operating semi-autonomous drones in austere environments. Conducted by the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU), the exercise involved loading inert AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, refueling, and generating multiple sorties to demonstrate reliability and extended range. The CCAs integrated with unspecified manned platforms (previously including F-35, F-22, and F-15EX) to project power across distributed battlefields. Members of the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force observed, reflecting their participation in the CCA program. The exercise tested Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts, validating reduced logistical footprints for remote, forward-deployed operations. This follows earlier EOU exercises at Edwards AFB and the Valiant Shield exercise in the Pacific, with plans to participate in Red Flag exercises.