Key Takeaways

  • The Air Force has notched first flights for prototype drone wingmen.
  • A key milestone in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
  • Uncertainty remains for the future of the CCA program.
  • Two critical questions are poised to be answered in the next year: What will the Air Force decide to build?
  • What comes next?
Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Strategic Implications

The selection of drone wingmen may indicate a shift towards unmanned systems as a key component of military forces. The development of autonomy for these drones could have significant implications for future operations and strategy. However, uncertainty remains regarding the production decision and potential risks to the program’s long-term viability.