The United States Air Force is increasing its acquisition of drone wingmen, referred to as collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs), to conduct experiments. This announcement was made by Andrew Hunter, the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology, and logistics, during Defense One’s State of Defense Business forum on an unspecified Wednesday.
Hunter clarified that the purchase of additional CCAs has been approved for the Air Force’s experimental operations unit. This unit is focused on developing tactics and procedures for the real-world deployment of CCAs. These autonomous drones are designed to operate alongside advanced fighter jets, specifically the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and the future Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, performing a variety of missions such as targeting enemy positions, conducting surveillance, and electronic jamming.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall emphasized the goal of ensuring CCAs cost a “fraction” of the price of an F-35, which typically ranges between $80 million and $100 million. In April, the Air Force awarded contracts to General Atomics and Anduril Industries to continue the design and development of initial CCAs, with plans for more advanced versions to follow.
Before fully integrating CCAs into combat squadrons, the Air Force must establish operational concepts for their control and battlefield function. The experimental operations unit is collaborating with the Australian military, which has been developing a similar program, Boeing’s Ghost Bat, for several years.
The Air Force confirmed plans to acquire both Anduril’s Fury and General Atomics’ Gambit drones for experimentation, although specific quantities and arrival dates were not disclosed. Hunter pointed out the importance of a swift development process and addressing manufacturing and sustainment costs early on.
As part of the strategy, the assessment of CCAs’ airworthiness is being reconsidered. Unlike traditional aircraft, these drones do not require pilot protections and the Air Force is aiming for a new approach that remains economical while ensuring safety. “We think about airworthiness differently,” Hunter remarked, noting the necessity for a different mindset compared to prior uncrewed aircraft acquisitions.
At another event hosted by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, it was reported by Air and Space Forces Magazine that both General Atomics and Anduril’s CCAs successfully completed a critical design review as of early November, which will allow them to enter a more advanced production phase.
Flight testing for CCAs is scheduled for 2025, and will be essential in verifying their ability to fulfill operational roles at a reasonable cost. The outcomes of these tests will influence which of the two CCAs will be officially integrated into the Air Force’s fleet. Hunter indicated that production approaches from both companies will be significant in determining future steps, suggesting that both vendors have opportunities for success.
