US Air Force advances AI-driven drone program for next generation combat aircraft

The U.S. Air Force is advancing its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, focusing on AI-driven loyal wingman drones. This initiative is part of the broader Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, which also includes a sixth-generation fighter jet. The Air Force plans to develop around 1,000 CCAs to operate alongside its advanced fighter jets. Initial contracts have been awarded to five companies, with General Atomics' XQ-67A and Anduril's Fury selected for production testing. The first CCA is expected to be operational before 2030. Recent developments include successful AI tests on modified F-16s and the introduction of various drone models, such as the Scaled Composites Model 437 Vanguard. The Air Force continues to explore multiple technologies to enhance its drone capabilities, while acknowledging that fully autonomous aircraft replacing manned fighters is still a long way off.