Anduril and General Atomics have progressed in the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, aiming to develop drones that could transform military operations by working alongside or independently of crewed aircraft.
The Breakdown
- Program Scope: The Air Force plans to acquire at least 1,000 CCAs as part of the program's first "increment," with the potential for more in subsequent phases.
- Design and Testing: Both companies are set to proceed with detailed designs, manufacturing, and testing of production representative test articles, though specific details of their proposed drone designs remain limited.
- Future Selections: While Anduril and General Atomics have moved forward, the program may still consider multiple designs in the final selection, expected by 2028.
- Budget Considerations: Recent selections reflect potential budgetary constraints and strategic choices, with ongoing discussions about cost-sharing with the industry to expand potential selections.
- Operational Strategy: The intended operational concept involves pairing drones with new sixth-generation stealth jets and F-35A fighters, emphasizing a large-scale, low-cost force multiplication strategy.
- Development and Integration: The CCA program focuses on incremental development, continuous competition, and integration with other military branches and autonomous systems initiatives.
- Foreign Partnerships: The program is exploring foreign military sales to enhance affordable mass production and international interoperability.
