The U.S. Air Force (USAF) has unveiled the YFQ-42A, a new uncrewed combat jet built by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).
USAF Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin shared the first photo of the aircraft on X on Tuesday, calling it “cost-effective” and “truly lethal.”
THE WORLD’s FIRST LOOK AT OUR NEW YFQ-42A! As the @DeptofDefense matches threats to capabilities under @SecDef’s leadership, Collaborative Combat Aircraft will prove not only cost-effective, but truly lethal…No doubts these uncrewed fighters will put our adversaries on notice! pic.twitter.com/PmS8p2BV7v
— General David Allvin (@OfficialCSAF) May 19, 2025
In a press release, GA-ASI said that the ground testing of the uncrewed jet began on May 7.
“The YFQ-42A is an exciting next step for our company,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “It reflects many years of partnership with the U.S. Air Force of advancing unmanned combat aviation for the United States and its allies around the world, and we’re excited to begin ground testing and move to first flight.”
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
The YFQ-42A is GA-ASI’s third jet-powered uncrewed aircraft. It follows the MQ-20 Avenger, which first flew in 2009, and the XQ-67A, which first flew in 2024.
The aircraft’s development is part of USAF’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, aimed at developing and fielding a new class of uncrewed aircraft designed to operate alongside traditional manned fighter jets like F-35 and F-47.
According to analysts from The Aviationist, compared to the XQ-67A, the YFQ-42A features a more rounded engine air intake and subtly revised fuselage mold lines. These design modifications likely aim to reduce the aircraft’s radar cross-section to meet the stealth requirements of USAF’s CCA program.
Once operational, the YFQ-42A will become one of USAF’s first uncrewed fighter jets, alongside Anduril’s YFQ-44A, which was unveiled earlier this month.
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
YFQ-42A’s first flight is planned for later this summer. Anduril’s YFQ-44A is anticipated to follow the same schedule.
