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Air Force Begins Testing Autonomous Jets

A YFQ-44A production representative test vehicle is staged in a testing chamber at Costa Mesa, Calif. The YFQ-44A, developed by Anduril, is one of two production representative test vehicles which will be critical in securing air dominance for the Joint Force in future conflicts, leveraging autonomous capabilities and crewed-uncrewed teaming to defeat enemy threats in contested environments. (Courtesy photo)

MAY 1, 2025 – The Department of the Air Force has begun ground testing for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, marking a major milestone in its effort to integrate autonomous systems into the future force.

This ground test phase includes rigorous evaluations of the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A production representative test vehicles—developed by General Atomics and Anduril, respectively—focusing on propulsion systems, avionics, autonomy integration, and ground control interfaces. These assessments will validate performance, inform future design decisions, and prepare the systems for flight testing later this year.

“Starting ground tests is a key milestone for the CCA Increment 1 program,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin. “This phase bridges the gap between design and flight, reducing integration risks, boosting confidence, and laying the groundwork for a successful first flight and eventual fielding to the warfighter.”

The CCA program is vital to the Air Force’s broader shift towards scalable force packages and human-machine teaming. Designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft, CCA will extend operational reach, enhance survivability, and increase lethality in contested environments. As force multipliers, they will support rapid deployment and affordable mass—delivering combat power at a fraction of the cost of traditional fighters.

“We’re moving fast because the warfighter needs this capability,” Allvin said. “CCA is about delivering decisive advantage in highly contested environments. The program is accelerating fielding through innovative design and acquisition strategies—and both vendors are meeting or exceeding key milestones. These aircraft will help us turn readiness into operational dominance.”

Demonstrating further progress toward operationalizing CCA capabilities, the DAF has selected Beale Air Force Base, California, as the preferred location to host a CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit (ARU). The mission of the ARU is to provide combat aircraft ready to deploy worldwide at a moment’s notice. CCA are semi-autonomous in nature so the ARU will not have to fly a significant number of daily sorties to maintain readiness. The aircraft will be maintained in a fly-ready status and flown minimally so the number of airmen required to support the fleet will be substantially lower than other weapons systems.

The CCA program prioritizes speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging open architectures and commercial technologies, it allows for rapid integration, iterative upgrades, and scalable production. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in fiscal year 2026, with development for Increment 2 beginning that same year to expand mission applications and integrate emerging technologies.

“The pace of innovation must outmatch the pace of the threat,” Allvin said. “CCA is how we do that.”

Story by Master Sgt. Gustavo Castillo
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

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Filed Under: Air Force, News

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Baltic States Pledge to Meet NATO’s 5% GDP Military Target

JULY 27, 2025 – Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held an enhanced honor cordon and quadrilateral meeting at the Pentagon, welcoming Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, Latvian Defense Minister Andris Sprūds and Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė. During the meeting, the Baltic states pledged to meet the target of 5% of their gross domestic product for […]

Air National Guard Unveils New Bonus Program

MARCH 11, 2023 – On March 1st, the Air National Guard (ANG) launched a new bonus program to attract and retain personnel in critical specialties. The initiative offers significant financial rewards, with bonuses of up to $90,000 for eligible members, depending on their Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). This strategic move aims to strengthen the […]

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APRIL 3, 2025 – Within the armed forces, a variety of educational benefits are available that allow service members to both improve themselves and make themselves more valuable to their service branch. One example is the Military Tuition Assistance Program. The program is available to enlisted personnel, officers and warrant officers in the Army, Navy, […]

Former Soldier Navigates Job Hunt

NOVEMBER 19, 2024 — In early 2017, Michael Quinn endured what he called the worst day in the worst year of his life. Quinn, then a sergeant major and 24-year Army Soldier, had weathered deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines. As an Army counter-intelligence agent, he said he learned to operate under grave circumstances […]

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JUNE 25, 2025 – Have you ever wondered how military families manage their finances while dealing with deployments, relocations, and changing pay structures? Financial planning is a vital part of life for families who serve. With unique benefits, challenges, and lifestyle changes, military families must make smart financial decisions that protect their future and help […]

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