Collaborative Combat Aircraft – Page 2

Jan- 2026 -

8 January

Air

F-35 Controls Collaborative Combat Aircraft in Cutting-Edge Simulation

Joint Simulation Environment is combining cockpit simulators, domed visual displays, and advanced software, enabling pilots to fly more missions in a week than on open-air ranges in a year.

Dec- 2025 -

29 December

Air

The U.S. Air Force announced, Dec. 22, the designation of YFQ-48A – seen here in an undated photo – as the Mission Design Series (MDS) for Northrop Grumman’s Project Talon, a semi-autonomous prototype aircraft. This designation marks a key step forward in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. (U.S. Air Force photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman)

Rojoef Manuel

Northrop Grumman’s Talon Drone Gets ‘YFQ-48A’ US Air Force Designation

The US Air Force has designated Northrop Grumman’s Project Talon semi-autonomous system as the “YFQ-48A,” marking its formal entry into the service’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

11 December

Asia Pacific

Inder Singh Bisht

Australia Orders Six Ghost Bat ‘Loyal Wingman’ Drones for $930M

Australia has contracted Boeing Defence Australia to supply an additional six MQ-28 Ghost Bat Collaborative Combat Aircraft to the Australian Defence Force.

8 December

Air

Christine Casimiro

Saab, Airbus in Talks to Collaborate on Uncrewed Combat Aircraft

European defense giants Saab and Airbus are in talks to collaborate on unmanned combat aircraft technology to support piloted fighter jets, similar to the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

Nov- 2025 -

3 November

Air

Anduril’s drone prototype for the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, designated YFQ-44A.

Christine Casimiro

Anduril’s Drone Prototype for USAF CCA Program Completes First Flight

Anduril’s drone prototype for the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, designated YFQ-44A, has completed its maiden flight.

Oct- 2025 -

10 October

Air

Rojoef Manuel

US Air Force Eyes Independent Loyal Wingman Squadrons

The US Air Force plans to establish dedicated squadrons for its next-generation Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

Sep- 2025 -

25 September

Air

Concepts of the uncrewed fighter aircraft YFQ-42A (bottom) and the YFQ-44A are pictured in artwork. The aircraft are designed to leverage autonomous capabilities and crewed-uncrewed teaming to defeat enemy threats in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force artwork courtesy of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and Anduril Industries)

Christine Casimiro

US Air Force Selects RTX, Shield AI to Supply CCA Drone Autonomy Software

The US Air Force has reportedly chosen RTX and Shield AI to provide autonomous capabilities for the first increment of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) operational prototypes.

23 September

Air