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USAF Selects Anduril, General Atomics for CCA Drone Wingmen

June 17, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

USAF selects Anduril and General Atomics for CCA drone wingmen.
Production contracts awarded for FQ-42A Dark Merlin and FQ-44 Fury drones.
Contracts were awarded four months ahead of schedule.
USAF aims to procure over 150 combat-capable CCA by the end of the decade.

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Strategic Implications

The selection of Anduril and General Atomics may indicate the USAF's confidence in the CCA program's potential to enhance air superiority. The accelerated production timeline suggests a focus on rapid deployment of semi-autonomous systems, which could strengthen the USAF's competitive position in the global threat environment.

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What Happened

Air Force Advances Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program

The United States Air Force has selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to build drone wingmen for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. Both companies have been awarded production contracts for their respective FQ-44 Fury and FQ-42A Dark Merlin drones, with the USAF aiming to procure over 150 combat-capable CCA by the end of the decade. The selection decision followed a competitive source selection process, and the production contracts were awarded four months ahead of schedule. The USAF also awarded mission autonomy production contracts to six companies, including Anduril, General Atomics, and Lockheed Martin. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: June 17, 2026

Companies Mentioned