**Location and Event**
In Aurora, Colorado, at the Air and Space Forces Association’s AFA Warfare Symposium, Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Allvin announced that the Air Force’s first two prototype collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs) have received their official mission design series designations. These aircraft are expected to take flight this summer.
**Aircraft Designations**
The two prototypes are being developed by Anduril Industries and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. General Atomics’ CCA is designated as the YFQ-42A, while Anduril’s CCA is known as the YFQ-44A. Traditionally, fighter aircraft in the Air Force are assigned an “F” designation, while “Q” indicates drones. The “Y” prefix denotes their prototype status, which will be dropped upon entering production.
**Significance of Designations**
Gen. Allvin emphasized the historical significance of these designations, stating, “For the first time in our history, we have a fighter designation in the YFQ-42 Alpha and YFQ-44 Alpha.” He indicated that this is symbolic of the Air Force leaning into a new era of aerial warfare.
**Capabilities and Future Plans**
CCAs are autonomous drones intended to operate alongside crewed fighters, such as the F-35 and potentially the future Next Generation Air Dominance fighter. The Air Force aims to invest heavily in these aircraft to enhance airpower, with capabilities ranging from conducting strikes and reconnaissance to electronic warfare and acting as decoys.
**Future Fleet Size**
Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall stated in 2023 that the service plans to acquire roughly 1,000 CCAs, although the precise numbers for the future fleet remain undetermined. Contracts for the initial iterations of CCAs were awarded to Anduril and General Atomics in April 2024; additional increments are also planned.
**Previous Designations**
Previously, General Atomics referred to its CCA as Gambit, while Anduril’s CCA was known as Fury. The new designations mark a significant step in the development of these platforms.
**Leadership Statements**
In his keynote address, Gen. Allvin remarked on the importance of CCAs and their technologies for future military operations. He called for a focus on “human-machine teaming,” acknowledging the potential of autonomy in modern warfare.
**Company Responses**
David Alexander, president of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., highlighted the achievements of the CCAs, stating that they represent a new era for airpower tailored to the needs of America’s military. Jason Levin, senior vice president of engineering at Anduril, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the progress of the program and its potential to enhance U.S. combat airpower capabilities.
