The Department of the Air Force has announced the continuation of its partnership with Anduril Industries and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., selecting them for the next phase of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.

This initiative forms a crucial part of the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems, designed to equip the force with both crewed and uncrewed platforms capable of addressing advanced threats.

As part of the program, Anduril and General Atomics will develop, manufacture, and test production representative test articles for the CCA, a significant step towards creating a new fleet of advanced combat aircraft. This decision follows the recent approval of the fiscal year 2024 budget, which includes provisions for these developments.

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall highlighted the progress of the CCA program, emphasizing the strong partnership between the Air Force and its industry collaborators. “The rapid execution of this program is a testament to the invaluable collaboration with our industry partners,” Kendall said. He also noted the program’s use of continuous competition and transparency to speed up development.

Andrew Hunter, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, reiterated the importance of collaboration with both current and potential industry partners in advancing the CCA program. “Their expertise, innovation, and resources are instrumental in driving this initiative forward, ensuring its success and impact on future operations,” Hunter stated.

The Air Force plans to make a competitive production decision for the first increment of the CCA in fiscal year 2026, with ambitions to achieve a fully operational capability before the end of the decade. Additionally, the program is exploring international partnerships and potential Foreign Military Sales to enhance affordability and interoperability across global defense networks.

Looking forward, the Air Force is preparing for the development of CCA Increment 2, set to commence later this year, with all current and potential future industry partners eligible to compete. This program aims to deliver at least 1,000 CCAs, ensuring air superiority with cost-effective scalability and adaptable timelines, maintaining America’s military dominance in aerial combat.