U.S Air Force Plan to Create Independent Squadrons for Next-Generation Collaborative Combat Aircraft

The U.S. Air Force is moving forward with plans to establish independent squadrons for its next-generation Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. These unmanned aerial systems—often referred to as “loyal wingmen”—are designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets, providing additional capability without increasing risk to pilots.

Unlike current drone units that support specific fighter wings, the new squadrons will be organized separately, giving the Air Force greater flexibility in how the systems are deployed and integrated across missions.

Purpose and Capabilities

The CCAs are built to perform a variety of roles, including precision strikes, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and decoy missions. Their main objective is to support crewed aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II and the upcoming F-47 fighter, expanding mission capacity and protecting pilots in contested airspaces.

These aircraft are equipped with autonomous mission systems that can share data with human pilots and other assets in real time. They feature modular payload bays, allowing them to be quickly reconfigured for different mission types. The drones are expected to operate with high endurance, low radar visibility, and the ability to function independently or under pilot supervision.

Program Leadership and Testing

Development under the CCA program is being led by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril Industries.

General Atomics’ prototype, designated YFQ-42A, began flight testing in August 2025 after completing extensive ground trials. Anduril’s YFQ-44A is expected to make its first flight soon, following similar pre-flight evaluations. Both aircraft have been tested since May to validate their airworthiness, communications systems, and autonomous control features.

Organizational Structure and Integration

At a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, the nominee for Air Force Chief of Staff, outlined the vision for CCA integration. He confirmed that the Air Force intends to form dedicated CCA squadrons rather than attaching them to existing fighter units.

Wilsbach also indicated that the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard could operate their own CCA units, supporting active-duty formations during joint missions. Bases such as Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan—home to F-15EX fighters and KC-46A refueling aircraft—have been mentioned as potential locations for future deployments.

To ensure operational readiness, the Air Force plans to establish a readiness and training unit at Beale Air Force Base in California, which will focus on pilot-drone coordination, mission planning, and maintenance procedures.

Broader Impact

Michigan Senator Gary Peters described the program as “critically important and transformative for the Air Force,” emphasizing its role in improving operational reach and reducing risks to manned platforms. He also highlighted how integrating CCAs into National Guard operations could enhance domestic and overseas mission readiness.

Gen. Wilsbach characterized the program as a “force multiplier”, enabling the Air Force to undertake more missions efficiently while maintaining lower personnel and operational costs.

With continued testing and organizational development underway, the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program represents a significant step toward expanding the U.S. Air Force’s use of autonomous and semi-autonomous systems in future air operations.