Air Force Begins Ground Testing of New Combat Drones

Autonomous Wingmen Are Coming

The U.S. Air Force has officially kicked off ground testing for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program—marking a major step toward fielding a new generation of semi-autonomous drone wingmen that will revolutionize air combat.

The test phase includes the YFQ-44A, built by Anduril Industries, and the YFQ-42A from General Atomics, with a focus on evaluating propulsion systems, autonomy software, avionics, and control interfaces. These aircraft are designed to fly alongside crewed jets like the F-35 and the upcoming Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter, extending operational range, survivability, and strike power in contested environments.

“These unmanned fighters are going to be badass,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “We’re moving fast because the warfighter needs this capability.”

Anduril’s YFQ-44A, formerly known as Fury, has already entered ground testing and is expected to fly this summer. General Atomics remains on schedule, with flight testing of the YFQ-42A planned for later this year.

A New Era in Combat Aviation

CCAs will use autonomous software to execute missions such as airstrikes, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, or even serving as decoys—with minimal human guidance. The Air Force envisions a fleet of around 1,000 CCAs, offering high capability at a fraction of the cost of traditional fighters.

A key advantage? Affordability and adaptability. These drones are being built for short life cycles (around a decade), enabling fast upgrades and integration of emerging tech.

“Our new mantra needs to be ‘built to adapt’ rather than ‘built to last,’” Allvin said.

To support this vision, Beale Air Force Base in California has been selected as the site of the first CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit, which will maintain the drones in a “fly-ready” state with minimal crew and limited flight time—drastically reducing operational support costs.

What’s Next?

• Flight testing for both CCAs is expected in 2024.

• A production decision will be made in fiscal year 2026.

• Development of Increment 2, which expands mission roles and tech integration, also begins in 2026.

By blending open architecture, commercial tech, and rapid iteration, the CCA program represents a shift in how the Air Force designs, builds, and deploys future airpower.