Unmanned Aircraft Experimental Squadron Formed Within U.S. Air Force

The U.S. Air Force has formally established its first dedicated Unmanned Aircraft Experimental Squadron under the 53rd Wing, transitioning an existing detachment into a full squadron as part of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.

The unit was officially activated during a ceremony on June 5 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, marking what officials described as a pivotal moment in the development and deployment of autonomous aircraft capabilities within the U.S. military.

The squadron will test unmanned escort aircraft, often referred to as "faithful wingmen," designed to operate alongside manned fighters such as the F-35 Lightning II and upcoming sixth-generation jets. These autonomous platforms are intended to enhance survivability, lethality, and operational flexibility for the U.S. Air Force and the broader Joint Force.

Lt. Col. Matthew Jensen, who leads the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU), emphasized the role of the squadron in refining human-machine teaming concepts: “Our experimental operations will ensure that CCAs are immediately viable as a credible combat capability that increases Joint Force survivability and lethality.”

The EOU will work closely with the Virtual Warfare Center and the Nellis Joint Integrated Test and Training Center to carry out advanced simulations and live flight tests. The aim is to validate tactics, techniques, and procedures in realistic operational settings and to create a “collaborative combat ecosystem that is more agile, adaptable, and lethal,” according to Jensen.

The activation of the unit is part of the U.S. Air Force’s broader effort to field more than 1,000 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, including over 150 units by 2029. These will be paired with approximately 200 sixth-generation fighters under the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

Currently, two unmanned aircraft prototypes — the YFQ-42A from General Atomics and the YFQ-44A from Anduril — have progressed from experimental platforms to operational prototypes. Under Air Force nomenclature, “Y” denotes a prototype, “F” for fighter, and “Q” for unmanned.

The establishment of this squadron is also seen as aligning with the strategic vision laid out by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, who has highlighted the importance of unmanned systems in achieving scalable, affordable combat mass.