The US Air Force has officially begun ground testing of its next-generation uncrewed fighter jets, marking a major milestone in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The testing involves two competing prototypes: the General Atomics YFQ-42A and Anduril’s YFQ-44A, both designed to be affordable force multipliers for crewed fighters like the F-35 and the upcoming F-47.
Breaking the Traditional Timeline
The program is advancing at unprecedented speed. The Air Force launched the CCA competition in early 2024 with five competitors, and General Atomics and Anduril advanced to the prototyping stage just 12 months later in April 2024. Now, ground testing is already underway, with first flights scheduled for summer 2025.
Air Force Chief of Staff General David Allvin announced the ground testing milestone on May 1, 2025, stating that “both vendors are meeting or exceeding key milestones.” Jason Levin, Anduril’s senior vice-president of air dominance and strike, called the pace of development “unprecedented.”
The Budget Fighter Concept
These uncrewed fighters represent a strategic shift toward affordable combat power. While modern fighters like the F-35 cost $80-100 million each, and the new Boeing F-47 sixth-generation fighter is expected to exceed $200 million per aircraft, the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A are projected to cost between $20-30 million each.
The Air Force initially framed these aircraft as disposable, attritable assets, but the program has evolved toward reusable, more capable designs. Both manufacturers are leveraging high-rate industrial production techniques to control costs while maintaining combat effectiveness.
What’s Being Tested
Ground testing focuses on critical systems including:
- Propulsion systems
- Avionics
- Autonomy integration
- Ground control interfaces
Anduril has begun testing with a production representative prototype of its YFQ-44A, formerly known as Fury. The aircraft features an internally stored landing gear, conventional takeoff and landing configuration, and a single Williams International FJ44 engine.
General Atomics’ YFQ-42A, previously called Gambit, offers more flexibility in powerplant selection. The company says its design can accommodate 13 different commercially available engines.
First Flights This Summer
Both companies confirm they remain on track for maiden flights in the coming months. General Atomics president David Alexander stated on May 1 that the company is on schedule to “test and fly YFQ-42 in the coming months,” while Anduril says it will fly the YFQ-44A during the North American summer.
The Air Force plans to select one design for production in fiscal year 2026, which begins in October 2025. The service hopes to field operational variants in significant quantities before the end of the decade.
Operational Plans
The Air Force has designated Beale Air Force Base in California as the first operating location for the CCA program, where an Aircraft Readiness Unit will be established.
These uncrewed fighters are intended to operate as “loyal wingmen” alongside crewed aircraft, extending operational reach, enhancing survivability, and increasing lethality in contested environments. A second increment of CCA development is expected to launch in fiscal year 2026, expanding mission capabilities and incorporating emerging technologies.
