The U.S. Air Force announced that General Atomics’ YFQ-42A prototype has flown for the first time in California, marking a key milestone in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.
The YFQ-42A is one of two Increment 1 designs competing under the effort, alongside Anduril Industries’ YFQ-44A. Both were selected in April 2024 to deliver production-representative prototypes, with a final selection expected in fiscal year 2026.
“This milestone showcases what’s possible when innovative acquisition meets motivated industry,” Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said in an Air Force news release. “In record time, CCA went from concept to flight — proving we can deliver combat capability at speed when we clear barriers and align around the warfighter.”
Today’s successful flight of the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by @GenAtomics_ASI for the @usairforce shows what is possible when innovative acquisition meets motivated industry! (1/2) pic.twitter.com/XpRRj9Zuvv
— Office of the Secretary of the Air Force (@SecAFOfficial) August 27, 2025
The drone is designed for semi-autonomous air-to-air operations and builds on the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station. Its autonomy core, developed through years of MQ-20 Avenger flight testing, supports a modular, software-driven approach intended to allow upgrades throughout its service life.
In a company statement, GA President David Alexander said the YFQ-42A was built and flown in just over a year. “It’s an incredible achievement, and I salute the Air Force for its vision and our development team for delivering yet another historic first for our company,” he said.
Anduril Industries said in a statement that its YFQ-44A will begin flight testing soon.
