Air Force picks General Atomics, Anduril to build first CCA drone wingmen

Key Points:

• The US Air Force has selected General Atomics and Anduril to build the military’s first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), marking a significant advancement in future air combat capabilities.
• Anduril, Shield AI, and RTX subsidiary Collins Aerospace will continue competing to provide autonomy software for the loyal wingman drones, with a final software vendor expected to be chosen by summer 2027.
• The CCA program aims to produce operational aircraft at roughly one-third the cost of an F-35, targeting unit costs under $30 million, with initial production funding requested for fiscal year 2027.
• The Air Force emphasized a fair and competitive selection process for both hardware and software, with the first increment focused on air superiority and plans to deliver over 150 aircraft by the end of the decade.
• Industry leaders from General Atomics, Anduril, and Shield AI expressed optimism about the contracts, highlighting ongoing development, production readiness, and the importance of collaborative autonomy for future airpower.