The American robot fighter took off without a pilot - the YFQ—42A is already flying alone

The first flight of the YFQ-42A is not just a test, but a breakthrough

The US Air Force, together with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, has made a breakthrough: the YFQ-42A fighter-robot took to the air for the first time. This was not just the launch of another drone, but the first flight of a fully—fledged autonomous combat vehicle developed under the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. Moreover, the transition from blueprints to takeoff took record time — a signal that the Air Force is serious about robotizing the sky.

Now the car begins to learn to fly not just on command, but by itself.

How does a fighter jet work without a crew

The YFQ-42A is not the kind of drone that circles the battlefield with a camera. It is a full-fledged combat aircraft capable of flying at supersonic speeds, maneuvering, carrying weapons and making decisions. It is equipped with artificial intelligence, which allows it to operate in semi-autonomous mode: the pilot on the ground or in an accompanying fighter gives orders, and the drone calculates the trajectory, avoids threats and chooses the moment to attack.

Sometimes he even flies completely on his own — without human intervention.

The US Air Force wants 1,000 of these drones.

The plan is large-scale: The Air Force plans to create a fleet of 1,000 autonomous aircraft. This is not a replacement for the F-35 or F-22 — these are their "partners". Imagine: one pilot controls a whole group of drones that go forward, scout, distract the air defense, and, if necessary, sacrifice themselves to save the manned aircraft.

YFQ-42A is one of the two finalists of the CCA program. The second one is the YQ-44A from Anduril. The winner will receive a serial production contract.

From a companion to an independent fighter

Previously, drones were like servants — they carried out commands. Now they are becoming partners. The YFQ-42A can not only fly in formation, but also make decisions: where to turn, when to attack, how to get away from the missile. It's not fiction — it's already working.

The U.S. Air Force understands that the future belongs to those who can control not just one aircraft, but an entire network. And the YFQ-42A is the first step towards this new war in the sky.

Sources

1. Topwar.ru — progress on loyal wingman CCA for USAF
2. Amalantra.ru — YFQ-42A & YFQ-44A overview
3. Gazeta Metro — first official image & USAF general comments
4. Obozrevatel.com — functional YFQ-42 prototype photos
5. Meta-Défense.fr — comparative analysis YFQ-42A vs YFQ-44A
6. WTFTime.ru — first look at YFQ-42A fighter-UCAV prototype
7. Building-Tech.org — USAF presents first UCAVs able to team with manned aircraft
8. Zhihu — performance & design discussion (CN)

The US Air Force has confirmed flight tests of the YFQ-42A unmanned fighter prototype

YFQ-42A in the Sky: California Test launch

The US Air Force has officially confirmed that the prototype of the YFQ-42A unmanned combat aircraft has begun a flight test program. The tests are being conducted at a secret test site in California, where flight characteristics, autonomous systems and interaction with manned platforms are being tested. This stage was an important milestone in the implementation of the ambitious Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.

General Atomics and the US Air Force: joint development

The YFQ-42A was developed by General Atomics, a leading American manufacturer of unmanned systems, known for projects such as the MQ-9 Reaper. The aircraft was created according to the requirements of the US Air Force as part of a strategy to create "friendly drones" (loyal wingmen) capable of escorting and supporting manned fighters in combat.

This is one of two competitive prototypes under CCA — the second, the YQ-44A Fury, was developed by Anduril Industries.

Key data for the CCA program

According to the Air Force, the YFQ-42A has already provided valuable data on:

• The airworthiness of the platform
• The level of management autonomy
• The possibilities of integration with command systems and weapons

These tests allow us to assess how much the drone will be able to act as an "extension" of the pilot, performing reconnaissance, electronic warfare and even strikes without risking the crew.

The future lies in satellite drones and autonomy

The goal of the CCA program is to create a large number of modular, relatively inexpensive unmanned aircraft capable of operating in tandem with fifth-generation fighters (F-35, F-22) and future sixth-generation platforms (NGAD). Such drones will increase the combat zone, reduce the burden on the pilot and increase the survival rate of the group.

It is expected that the final decision on the choice of the platform and the transition to mass production will be made in fiscal year 2026.

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.

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.