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The US military’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program is approaching flight testing later this year, as the program undertakes ground testing to validate performance and readiness for future flight testing.
The ground test phase includes rigorous evaluations of the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A production representative test vehicles, developed by General Atomics and Anduril, focusing on propulsion systems, avionics, autonomy integration and ground control interfaces.
“Starting ground tests is a key milestone for the CCA Increment 1 program,” Air Force Chief of Staff General David W Allvin said.
“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.
“We’re moving fast because the warfighter needs this capability.
“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.
“The pace of innovation must outmatch the pace of the threat … CCA is how we do that.”
The CCA Program is considered vital to the US Air Force’s broader shift towards scalable force packages and human-machine teaming. The aircraft is designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft – CCA is expected to extend operational reach, enhance survivability and increase lethality in contested environments.
As force multipliers, they will support rapid deployment and affordable mass at a fraction of the cost of traditional fighters. 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.
Beale Air Force Base in California has been selected as the preferred location to host a CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit.
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.
