US Air Force Moves Forward with Unmanned Systems Amid Global Competition

The US Air Force has successfully completed first flights for prototype drone wingmen, a key milestone for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. The program aims to develop unmanned systems for missile trucks and force multipliers, with a production decision expected in 2026. Industry investment is tied to the Air Force’s decision, with several companies already making informed bets on the program’s future. The Air Force’s autonomy effort is ongoing, with testing and experimentation planned. The program’s success may have implications for the development of similar initiatives within the US military and globally. This article is part of a series by Breaking Defense looking back on 2025 news and forward to 2026 developments.