The U.S. Air Force has started ground testing two new wingmen drones under its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Dave Allvin announced the start of the ground testing phase in a post on X on Thursday. The post featured a video showing hangar doors opening dramatically to unveil Anduril Industries’ YFQ-44A, previously known as Fury.
Ground testing is officially underway for our Collaborative Combat Aircraft program! This is a huge milestone and another step toward first flight and rapid delivery to our warfighters… These unmanned fighters are going to be badass! (1/3) pic.twitter.com/HiuWMzmcc7
— General David Allvin (@OfficialCSAF) May 1, 2025
According to U.S. Air Force, the ground test phase includes comprehensive evaluations of the YFQ-44A and YFQ-42A production-representative test vehicles, developed by Anduril and General Atomics, respectively. The tests focus on propulsion systems, flight controls, autonomy software, and ground control capabilities.
“Starting ground tests is a key milestone for the CCA Increment 1 program,” said Allvin. “This phase bridges the gap between design and flight, reducing integration risks, boosting confidence, and laying the groundwork for a successful first flight and eventual fielding to the warfighter.”
The Air Force plans for the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A s to fly alongside crewed jets like the F-35 and future F-47, supporting missions such as strikes, intelligence gathering, electronic warfare, and acting as decoys.
The Future of Airpower: Capability. Capacity. Agility. YFQ-42A collaborative combat aircraft.
Read more: https://t.co/wS9iPiHFEt#UAS #YFQ42A #AirPower pic.twitter.com/PqLE1NoLsH
— General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) (@GenAtomics_ASI) April 30, 2025
“We’re moving fast because the warfighter needs this capability,” Allvin said. “CCA is about delivering decisive advantage in highly contested environments.”
Flight testing of both drones is planned for later this year. A second phase of the program, called Increment 2, is scheduled to begin development in 2026 and will focus on expanding the drones’ missions and adding new technologies.
