US Kicks Off Ground Testing for Advanced Combat Drones Under CCA Program

The United States Air Force has officially begun ground tests for two advanced unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) under its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program — a major step toward the future of aerial warfare. These drones, named YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A, represent the first experimental fighter drones to receive official designations in Air Force history, marking a significant milestone in the program’s evolution.

Currently stationed at Beale Air Force Base in California, the two aircraft are undergoing thorough evaluations of their engines, onboard systems, autonomous capabilities, and control technologies. The tests are part of a larger plan to prepare these drones for flight trials scheduled later this year. Even though flight operations will be limited for now, both aircraft are being kept in a constant flight-ready state.

The CCA program aims to revolutionize air combat by introducing highly capable drones that can fly alongside traditional fighter jets, essentially acting as robotic wingmen. These aircraft are designed to increase the range, lethality, and survivability of manned platforms by taking on missions that would otherwise put human pilots at risk.

General David W. Allvin, the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “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.” He further added, “These aircraft will help us turn readiness into operational dominance.”

The YFQ-42A, developed by General Atomics, has a sleek and futuristic design tailored for high-speed missions. Its elongated body, narrow wings, and top-mounted air intake suggest it is built for stealth and speed — qualities essential in next-generation air dominance roles.

On the other hand, Anduril’s YFQ-44A is more compact — roughly half the size of an F-16 jet — and features a distinctive set of design elements, including trapezoidal wings and a unique tail configuration. This drone seems optimized for agility and modular payloads, offering flexibility across a wide range of mission profiles.

Both drones are part of the Air Force’s broader Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) vision, which focuses on pushing the boundaries of aerial technology and ensuring that future U.S. airpower remains unmatched. One of the key goals of this effort is to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and ensure that critical capabilities are developed and produced domestically.

As testing progresses, these drones could change how the U.S. military conducts air operations, blending manned and unmanned platforms into a cohesive and lethal force structure. Their success could lead to quicker deployments and reshape the battlefield of tomorrow.