American unmanned fighter satellites: launch of flight tests of the CCA program

The YQ-44A and YFQ-42A prototypes are ready for their first flights

According to Pentagon sources, the launch of flight tests under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program is just around the corner. It is expected that at least one, and possibly both, prototypes will take to the air in the coming days — the YQ-44A Fury from Anduril Industries and the YFQ-42A from General Atomics. This will be the official start of the flight test and evaluation phase, which will lay the foundation for future mass production contracts.

A representative of the US Department of Defense said that both vehicles are in the "practical launch readiness" stage, which means the completion of ground checks, system tests and preparations for the first flights. Successful tests will allow the USAF to identify the most promising platform for further development.

The essence of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program

The CCA program aims to create so-called "unmanned fighter satellites" — drones capable of escorting fifth-generation manned fighters such as the F-35 and F-22, and in the future, the sixth generation (NGAD). These unmanned platforms will perform a wide range of tasks, from reconnaissance and electronic warfare to strikes against ground and air targets.

The key feature of CCA is the use of artificial intelligence for autonomous maneuvering and decision—making in combat, while control remains with the pilot operator in the lead aircraft. This makes it possible to significantly expand the combat zone, reduce risks for the crew and increase the overall efficiency of the aviation group.

From testing to mass production

The flight test phase will last for several years and will include testing for endurance, maneuverability, compatibility with manned platforms and resistance to interference. The final decision on the selection of the winner and the conclusion of contracts for mass production is planned to be made in fiscal year 2026.

The first serial production of the CCA is expected to enter service with the US Air Force in the late 2020s and early 2030s. This will be an important stage in the transformation of aviation from a predominantly manned to a hybrid system where man and machine work in close cooperation.

The role of artificial intelligence and the future of manned aviation

The CCA program marks the transition to a new paradigm of aerial combat. Artificial intelligence allows drones to operate in difficult conditions where human reaction may not be fast enough. At the same time, the pilot retains strategic control, delegating tactical tasks to his "unmanned partners."

This approach not only enhances combat capabilities, but also makes aviation more resilient to losses. CCA drones can be used as expendable platforms, allowing you to save valuable manned aircraft and crews.

Anduril builds smart submarines in Australia: a new era of autonomous defense in the Pacific Ocean

The American company Anduril Industries, known for its breakthrough military technologies, has made a big step in the Pacific region — together with the Royal Australian Navy, it has created a prototype autonomous submarine in Sydney. This is no longer just a concept: we are talking about real production, launched at a local base, in order to enhance security in the Pacific Ocean. The boats, which Anduril calls "ultra—large autonomous underwater vehicles," should become a new cornerstone in surveillance and defense against growing activity in the region - especially amid tensions with China.

What is particularly impressive is that Anduril recently raised 2 billion US dollars at a valuation of 30.5 billion US dollars (almost 51.6 billion Australian dollars). This money will be used to scale production and develop artificial intelligence that will control these submarines without constant human involvement. They will be able to stay underwater for months, tracking targets, transmitting real—time data and interacting with other systems, from drones to ships and satellites.

The project is part of the AUKUS strategy, where Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom join forces to strengthen defense. But Anduril is moving ahead: without waiting for cumbersome government programs, the company acts quickly, technologically and ambitiously. And now the Pacific Ocean gets a new, "smart" line of defense — without a crew, but with powerful AI on board.

OpenAI has received a $200 million contract from the US Department of Defense to develop AI tools

Sam Altman

The US Department of Defense has signed a $200 million annual contract with OpenAI, under which the company will develop prototypes of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to solve critical national security tasks. The work will primarily be carried out in the Washington, D.C. area, with an estimated completion date of July 2026.

This contract became the first OpenAI project within the framework of the new OpenAI for Government initiative, which unites all the company's government projects, including the ChatGPT version for civil servants — ChatGPT Gov, as well as cooperation with NASA, the National Institutes of Health, the US Air Force Research Laboratory and the Ministry of Finance. The aim of the initiative is to transform the administrative operations of departments using advanced AI technologies.

In December 2024, OpenAI announced a partnership with defense startup Anduril Industries aimed at creating AI systems to protect against drones. This cooperation complements the contract with the Department of Defense and demonstrates the expansion of OpenAI's role in the US defense sector.

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, emphasized that the company strives to create technologies that support democratic values and ensure the safety of citizens, while helping the armed forces and national security.

The United States has unveiled the first officially designated unmanned fighter aircraft: the beginning of a new era in combat aviation

 The US Air Force has officially unveiled the first-of-its-kind unmanned fighter aircraft as part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program — a new revolutionary initiative aimed at integrating autonomous technologies into combat aircraft. Two models were presented as part of this program: YFQ-42A, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and YFQ-44A, created by startup Anduril Industries.

These drones will become key partners for next-generation manned aircraft, such as the advanced fighter jet Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD). The main goal of the CCA program is to create autonomous aerial platforms capable of interacting with manned aircraft in real time, providing superiority in intelligence, strike operations and electronic warfare.

Special attention is paid to the level of autonomy: the new drones will have the ability to make decisions in conditions of high uncertainty and counteraction, which is especially important in modern conflicts using fifth-generation technologies. This approach can significantly reduce the risks for the crews and at the same time increase the effectiveness of combat operations.

The CCA program is part of a broader modernization strategy for the U.S. Air Force, envisioning a transition to hybrid systems where man and machine work together. This marks a new stage in the development of military aviation, where the decisive factor is not only speed and armament, but also the ability to adapt, learn and function autonomously in difficult conditions.

The US Air Force begins ground testing of autonomous combat aircraft CCA

 

YFQ-44

On May 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Air Force announced the start of ground testing of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which was an important step in integrating autonomous systems into the future structure of combat forces. The program, which is a key element of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, has moved into the testing phase of the first two production prototypes: the YFQ-42A from General Atomics and the YFQ-44A from Anduril Industries. At the same time, the Air Force identified Beale Air Force Base in California as the preferred location for the First Aircraft Readiness Unit (ARU) dedicated to operating the CCA fleet.

The CCA program is aimed at creating autonomous combat aircraft that can operate in conjunction with manned aircraft. These systems are designed to enhance the capabilities of the U.S. Air Force by increasing the efficiency of complex missions, reducing risks for pilots, and increasing the flexibility of military operations. 

Ground tests of the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A will test their functionality, reliability, and ability to interact with other platforms. This is a key stage before the start of flight tests and subsequent deployment to combat units.

The CCA program is an integral part of the larger Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, which includes the development of new technologies to ensure U.S. air superiority. CCA autonomous systems will work in tandem with next-generation manned fighter aircraft, forming a network-centric architecture where each element fulfills its unique role.

The YFQ-42A from General Atomics and the YFQ-44A from Anduril Industries represent two different approaches to solving autonomous combat tasks. The former focuses on high endurance and reconnaissance capabilities, while the latter focuses on maneuverability and striking capabilities. Both prototypes are undergoing rigorous testing to determine their potential in real combat conditions.

The U.S. Air Force has selected Beale Air Force Base in California as the location for the first Aircraft Readiness Unit (ARU), which will specialize in operating CCA autonomous combat aircraft. This decision is due to the strategic location of the base, modern infrastructure and the availability of the necessary resources to support the latest technologies.

The Beale Airbase will become a training center for personnel who will work with autonomous systems. Further testing and refinement of technologies will also be carried out here to ensure their full combat readiness.

The successful implementation of the CCA program can be a revolutionary step in the development of military aviation. Autonomous combat aircraft will allow the U.S. Air Force to maintain its leadership in technology and tactical superiority. They will be able to perform a wide range of tasks, including reconnaissance, strikes and protection of manned aircraft from enemy threats.

However, the introduction of such systems also raises questions about security, the ethics of using autonomous systems, and their impact on international security. Experts emphasize that it is important to develop clear rules for the use of these technologies in order to minimize the risks of conflict escalation.

Anduril Industries introduces a new version of the Pulsar-L system to combat drones and other enemy targets

 

Anduril Industries, a well-known player in the field of defense technology, has announced a lightweight and more mobile version of its Pulsar electronic warfare system. The new system, called Pulsar-L, is designed to track and destroy a wide range of enemy targets, including swarms of drones, which are becoming an increasingly serious threat in modern conflicts.

Pulsar-L is available in two configurations: air and expedition. These options provide maximum flexibility in deploying the system across multiple platforms and environments. The aerial version is designed to be installed on unmanned aerial vehicles or other aviation assets, while the expeditionary configuration allows the system to be used in the field, providing rapid movement and deployment.

This new product complements Pulsar's existing product line, including Pulsar-V (vehicle version), Pulsar Alpha (air version) and stationary solutions, which were introduced last year. Each of these systems is designed to perform specific tasks, but they share a common goal — to provide protection against modern threats such as drones, guided missiles and other high-tech means of attack.

Pulsar-L is equipped with a software-controlled signal jammer, which effectively suppresses communication between operators and their devices. This is especially important for dealing with swarms of drones, which are often used to coordinate attacks or conduct reconnaissance. The system is capable of not only blocking signals, but also physically destroying targets using directed energy or other methods.

The Pulsar-L's light weight and mobility make it an ideal solution for military units operating in remote or hard-to-reach areas. Thanks to its modular design, the system can be easily adapted to specific tasks. In addition, the use of advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence allows Pulsar-L to automatically detect and classify threats, which significantly increases the efficiency of its work.

Pulsar-L can be used not only for military purposes, but also to protect civilian infrastructure such as airports, power plants, and government buildings. The growing popularity of drones among terrorist groups and other opponents requires new approaches to protection, and Pulsar-L offers a modern solution to this problem.

The Pulsar-L presentation demonstrates Anduril Industries' commitment to remain at the forefront of technological progress in the field of defense. The new system combines mobility, versatility and high efficiency, making it an important tool for countering modern threats. With the growing dependence on unmanned technologies, such developments are becoming key to ensuring security both on the battlefield and in the civilian sphere.