U.S.A.F.’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft ‘YFQ-42A’ Completes First Flight

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that its YFQ-42A fighter drone, developed with General Atomics, has completed its first flight, marking a key step in the service’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.

The CCA program is focused on developing uncrewed fighter-like drones that can fly alongside piloted fifth and sixth-generation fighter jets including the F-35 and the future Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) jet. They will carry out tasks such as surveillance, strike missions, and electronic warfare while using modular designs for rapid upgrades. The aim is to field these drones in large numbers at lower cost to extend combat reach, increase firepower, and reduce risks to pilots.

The test flight comes less than two years after the program’s launch. The YFQ-42A will undergo continued evaluations of airworthiness, flight autonomy, and mission system integration.

General Atomics confirmed the YFQ-42A is based on its earlier XQ-67A design from the once-classified Off-Board Sensing Station (OBSS) program, which has now been folded into the CCA effort. The company described the achievement as the result of close cooperation with the Air Force. Technical details about the YFQ-42A remain undisclosed.

Anduril Industries, also selected to produce Increment 1 prototypes, said its YFQ-44A flight tests are set to begin soon.

The Air Force expects a competitive production decision in fiscal year 2026. Between 100 and 150 Increment 1 drones are projected for initial procurement, with long-term plans to field more than 1,000 CCAs across multiple development cycles. Officials say the aircraft will be central to the service’s ability to adapt for potential high-end conflicts, including in the Pacific.