CCA evolution continues as F-22 takes control of YFQ-44A

The work demonstrated the promise of a CCA performing missions as the behest of the USAF’s top fighter.
A Lockheed Martin F-22 stealth fighter has successfully demonstrated the ability to take airborne control of an Anduril YFQ-44A collaborative combat aircraft (CCA).

The work, which took place “earlier this month,” demonstrates efforts to develop mission autonomy capabilities for CCAs, according to a 16 October statement by the US Air Force.

The flight saw the F-22 pilot issue “high-level tactical directives” to an YFQ-44A. The CCA then executed the directives, which included dynamic flight maneuvers and simulating combat tasks.

Data from the work, which took place from Nevada’s Creech AFB, will be used for continued software integration and develop testing and will also inform “future CCA concepts.”

Industry sources involved in CCA development have previously told FlightGlobal that for CCAs to add value they must not increase the already challenging workload of the crewed fighters they accompany. As such, they are envisioned receiving high-level mission commands from crewed aircraft and then executing missions largely autonomously.

In December 2025, a Boeing MQ-28A CCA conducted a successful air-to-air missile firing in Australia after receiving just four commands: take off, enter a combat air patrol, intercept a target, and clearance to fire.

On the F-22/YFQ-44A activity, US Air Force chief General Ken Wilsbach had this to say: “This flight shows the power of crewed-uncrewed teaming and the advantage it provides our warfighters. We must test often, learn fast and give commanders what they need, when they need it.”

In June, Anduril and General Atomics were awarded production contracts under the USAF’s CCA Increment 1 competition, with Anduril to produce the FQ-44A and General Atomics the FQ-42A

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