The growing collaborative combat aircraft marketplace

In an event reminiscent of the Apple product launches, Helsing launched CA-1 Europa, its entry into the world of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Described as a “full-size design study” in the September 25 press release, the production version of the aircraft is expected to be operational within four years. “Europe cannot afford to fall behind in this category or become dependent on third parties. With CA-1 Europa, we will make sure this does not happen,” Torsten Reil, the Helsing Co-founder said in the press release. 

Helsing is not alone, Rheinmetall recently announced that it was considering partnerships with Lockheed Martin, Anduril, and Boeing to meet an anticipated requirement for as many as 400 CCA for the German armed forces. The Future Combat Air System, led by France, Germany, and Spain, is expected to include remote carriers, performing a role similar to a CCA. And the Global Combat Air Programme, led by the UK, Italy, and Japan, includes development of “loyal wingmen” to operate alongside the core fighter at the heart of the programme. 

It does seem probable that CCA will form a core element of future European forces. The Royal Navy has already set out its goal to launch a jet-powered drone from one of its carriers in the next two years, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, explained during DSEI. But, what is the state of the CCA market? How many platforms are there and where are they in their development process? Let’s take a look. 

Airbus Remote Carrier

Manufacturer: Airbus (Europe), in collaboration with other partners within the FCAS program, including MBDA.

Year Unveiled: The concept and initial development for the Remote Carriers were publicly discussed as early as 2018, as a core component of the FCAS program. Flight testing of demonstrators began in 2022.

Development Status: Early development and testing of demonstrators are underway. Airbus has successfully tested launching small Remote Carriers from an A400M transport aircraft. A full-scale demonstrator flight with the Next-Generation Fighter (NGF) and Remote Carriers is expected around 2029.

Most Recent Update: As of late 2024 and 2025, Airbus has continued to test the autonomy and teaming intelligence software for the Remote Carriers, demonstrating the ability to manage a group of UAVs in real-time.

Contracts Awarded: The Remote Carrier is part of the broader Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, which is a collaborative effort between France, Germany, and Spain. Development contracts for the demonstrator phase (Phase 1B) have been awarded to the industrial partners, with Airbus leading the Remote Carrier domain.

Expected Role: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed to act as force multipliers and reduce risk for manned aircraft. They are envisioned to be highly autonomous and modular, capable of performing a wide range of missions in high-threat environments.

Capabilities:

• Payload: Designed to be highly modular, with different versions for various missions. This includes carrying sensors for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare payloads, or kinetic weapons.
• Integration: A key part of the FCAS “system of systems” concept. The Remote Carriers will operate in a “Combat Cloud” (an AI-powered data network), allowing seamless real-time data sharing with manned aircraft like the Next-Generation Fighter, as well as with other Remote Carriers.
• Range & Endurance: Specific figures are not public, but they are expected to have a sufficient range and endurance to operate alongside and extend the reach of the manned FCAS fighter. There are plans for different sizes, including smaller, expendable versions and larger, more capable ones. The smaller variants are expected to be launched from “motherships” such as the A400M transport aircraft, enabling them to be deployed deep into contested territory.

Bayraktar Kizilelma

Manufacturer: Baykar (Turkey)

Year Unveiled: The project was initiated in 2021, and a prototype completed its first flight in December 2022.

Development Status: The aircraft is in the flight testing phase, with new prototypes undergoing tests to mature the design. Serial production is a future objective.

Most Recent Update: As of late 2024, a production prototype (PT-3) successfully completed its maiden flight. Another flight test in January 2025 saw the 3rd prototype with tail number TC-ÖZB3 complete flight tests and carry out system identification activities.

Contracts Awarded: Development is being conducted by Baykar with its own resources. The platform is being developed for the Turkish military, with a key objective to operate from the TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship.

Expected Role: Unmanned combat aircraft (UCAV) designed for air-to-air combat, close air support, and strategic attack missions. It is expected to operate as a “loyal wingman” alongside manned aircraft.

Capabilities:

• Payload: Can carry up to 1,500 kg of weapons and other systems.
• Range: Up to 930 kilometers.
• Endurance: Up to 5 hours in the air.
• Speed: Maximum speed of 900 km/h, with a design intended to approach the speed of sound.
• Integration: Designed to operate in a manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capacity with crewed aircraft like the F-16. It is also being developed to take off and land on short-runway ships.

CA-1 Europa

Manufacturer: Helsing (Germany) in collaboration with its Grob Aircraft subsidiary and other European partners.

Year Unveiled: September 2025.

Development Status: Early development and testing is underway, with a production version expected to be operational within the next four years.

Most Recent Update: In late September 2025, Helsing unveiled the CA-1 Europa prototype and announced its development.

Contracts Awarded: None publicly announced, as the project is in the early stages of development with Helsing and its partners.

Expected Role: Autonomous multi-role jet designed to function as part of a “swarm” or as a single asset for missions like deep precision strikes, reconnaissance, and intelligent air combat. It is being positioned as a cost-effective, attritable platform.

Capabilities:

• Integration: Designed to work as a “wingman” for manned fighter jets, controlled by Helsing’s Centaur AI pilot autonomy stack.
• Payload: The platform is in the three-to-five-tonne class, suggesting a significant payload capacity for various sensors, self-protection systems, and effectors.

Model 437 Vanguard / Beacon Program

Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman (United States)

Year Unveiled: The Model 437 Vanguard was first publicly discussed in 2021, with its role as an AI testbed under the “Beacon” program becoming clear in late 2024.

Development Status: The aircraft is in the active flight testing phase as an AI testbed. It recently returned to flight after modifications for the Beacon program.

Most Recent Update: As of late September 2025, the Model 437 Vanguard has completed its first flights with the new “Beacon” modifications, and partner companies are preparing to test their AI software on the platform.

Contracts Awarded: The Beacon program is being funded by Northrop Grumman’s internal research and development budget. However, the company has been awarded a contract by the US Navy for conceptual design work on a carrier-based CCA.

Expected Role: The Model 437 is not intended for production as a CCA itself. Its primary role is a test platform to mature and validate the AI and autonomy software (Prism) that will be used in future uncrewed systems. It serves as a “playground” for a wide range of autonomy developers to accelerate the development of “loyal wingman” capabilities. It can also be flown by a pilot, which may make it easier for general flight testing to be conducted than with a fully autonomous platform. 

Capabilities:

• Airframe: Developed by Scaled Composites (a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman), the Model 437 is a high-performance jet. It is optionally manned, meaning a human pilot can fly it while the autonomy software is being tested, ensuring safety.
• Range: Past reporting indicated design goals of 5,500 km of range using around 1,200 kg of fuel and a payload of 450 kg, which enables AIM-120 missiles to be carried. 
• Integration: The core focus is on its open-architecture ecosystem. This allows for rapid testing and integration of third-party software for everything from tactical combat algorithms to mission planning. The Model 437 is expected to be carrier-launched in design, possibly leveraging earlier US Navy developments around the control of uncrewed platforms from aircraft carriers. 

MQ-28 Ghost Bat

Manufacturer: Boeing Australia

Year Unveiled: Unveiled in 2019 as part of the Boeing Airpower Teaming System (ATS) program. It was officially designated the MQ-28 Ghost Bat in 2022.

Development Status: Reportedly undergoing an extensive and rigorous testing process with test flights occurring in one out of every three months and several sorties conducted per day during those tests. The current fleet is designed only for testing, rather than operational use, but a 2024 contract will see three block 2 aircraft that are designed for operational testing produced.

Most Recent Update: As of September 2025, Boeing and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) completed a series of flight demonstrations ahead of schedule, validating its operational viability. An air-to-air weapon shot is planned for later in 2025 or early 2026. This included a trial demonstrating the interoperability of the MQ-28 Ghost Bat with the E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft. A single operator aboard the E-7A Wedgetail effectively controlled two in-flight MQ-28 Ghost Bat CCA, alongside a third digital MQ-28.

Contracts Awarded: The program is a collaboration between Boeing and the RAAF, with the Australian government already investing AUD $616 million in the program. The MQ-28A Ghost Bat project received a AUD4 billion (US$2.6bn/£2.0bn) funding boost from the Australian government in April 2024 to further progress the programme with particular focus on its integration with crewed aircraft. 

Expected Role: An autonomous “loyal wingman” to complement and extend the capabilities of existing crewed aircraft like the F/A-18F Super Hornet, E-7A Wedgetail, and F-35A. It is designed to act as a force multiplier and reduce risk to manned platforms.

Capabilities:

• Range: Approximately 3,700 kilometers.
• Payload: The design has a large internal volume for a variety of sensors and potential weapons, although internal carriage of air-to-air missiles is not part of the current design and would require a redesign.
• Integration: Demonstrated the ability to team with a crewed E-7A Wedgetail for data fusion and transmission. It is also designed for multi-ship operations.

Vectis

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Skunk Works (United States)

Year Unveiled: Unveiled in September 2025.

Development Status: In active development. Lockheed Martin has ordered prototype parts and aims to design, build, and fly the aircraft within two years.

Most Recent Update: Lockheed Martin announced the Vectis in late September 2025 at a defence conference. However, other elements like the company’s CCA offering have been tested. In 2024, a manned aircraft commanded two uncrewed aircraft in flight. The pilot assigned targets to two AI-piloted L-29 Delfin jets which then worked collaboratively to defeat simulated adversary aircraft in an offensive counter air mission.

Although Lockheed Martin was not selected for the US Air Force CCA Increment 1, it has continued development of Vectis using internal company funds. The company may have another opportunity to approach the CCA programme under Increment 2, which is expected to be awarded in 2026. Increment 1 focused on teaming with manned fighters, and Increment 2 is set up to introduce more capabilities like improved stealth and sensors, as well as the ability to integrate with other platforms like the B-21 and E-7 early warning aircraft.

Contracts Awarded: Lockheed Martin is developing the aircraft to meet requirements for the US and international markets. It was a competitor in the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program but was not selected as one of the two finalists for Increment 1.

Expected Role: A “Group 5” collaborative combat aircraft designed to be a stealthy, survivable “digital wingman” for fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22. It is intended for missions including precision strike, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR).

Capabilities:

• Range: Designed for extended range operations across the Indo-Pacific, European, and Central Command theaters.
• Payload: The Group 5 designation indicates a large, capable aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of over 598 kg (1,320 pounds) and the ability to operate at high altitudes.
• Integration: Built on an open-system architecture to avoid vendor lock-in. Compatible with existing command and control systems, including the company’s own Multi-Domain Combat System (MDCX).

YFQ-42A

Manufacturer: General Atomics (United States)

Year Unveiled: The program was officially announced by the US Air Force in early 2025, with General Atomics being selected as a finalist in the CCA program in May 2024. But the development history is much longer. 

Development Status: The prototype completed its first test flight in late August/early September 2025 under increment 1 of the USAF’s collaborative combat aircraft programme. It is undergoing continued evaluations.  The YFQ-42A builds upon GA-ASI’s XQ-67A. The XQ-67A was built from a genus platform, which is a concept developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and GA-ASI to create a genus platform. The company describes the genus platform as, “the foundational core architecture from which several “species” of aircraft can be built.” GA-ASI has also said that “YFQ-42’s autonomy core has been trained across more than five years of flight testing using GA-ASI’s jet-powered MQ-20 Avenger, an aircraft no other company has.”

Most Recent Update: The US Air Force confirmed the first flight of the YFQ-42A prototype in September 2025.

Contracts Awarded: General Atomics was selected as one of two finalists in the U.S. Air Force’s Increment 1 CCA program.

Expected Role: An affordable, attritable, uncrewed fighter-like drone designed to operate alongside manned fifth and sixth-generation aircraft. It will perform tasks such as surveillance, strike missions, and electronic warfare.

Capabilities:

• Integration: Designed to operate as a “loyal wingman” and use modular designs for rapid upgrades.
• Note: Specific details on range and payload are not publicly available as the program remains classified.

YFQ-44A

Manufacturer: Anduril Industries (United States)

Year Unveiled: The program was officially announced by the U.S. Air Force in early 2025, with Anduril being selected as a finalist in the CCA program in May 2024.

Development Status: The prototype is undergoing ground testing, with a first flight anticipated in late 2025, also under increment 1 of the USAF’s collaborative combat aircraft programme. The YFQ-44A’s development journey began with Blue Force Technologies (BFT), a North Carolina-based aerospace company. BFT was developing a high-performance, jet-powered uncrewed aircraft called “Fury.” The original purpose of Fury was not combat, but rather to serve as a cost-effective and realistic aggressor drone for advanced air combat training. 

In September 2023, Anduril Industries acquired Blue Force Technologies. This acquisition was a strategic move by Anduril to gain a foothold in the high-end autonomous aircraft market. Anduril immediately shifted Fury’s focus from a training drone to a full-fledged Collaborative Combat Aircraft by adding its Lattice autonomy software. 

Most Recent Update: The US Air Force and Anduril released images of a “production representative” test vehicle in early 2025, confirming ground testing was underway.

Contracts Awarded: Anduril was selected as one of two finalists in the US Air Force’s Increment 1 CCA program.

Expected Role: A mass-producible and affordable fighter-like drone for the US Air Force’s CCA program. It is designed for aggressive manoeuvres and human-machine teaming.

Capabilities:

• Speed: Designed for speeds up to Mach 0.95.
• Payload: The nose bay can house a radar, IRST, or electronic warfare system. Munitions carriage is possible but limited to external stores.
• Integration: Designed to leverage autonomous capabilities and crewed-uncrewed teaming to defeat enemy threats in contested environments.

Calibre comment

This brief review indicates that there are at least eight collaborative combat aircraft or loyal wingman developments in the Western world. Half of them are from the US, which is to be expected, but Europe is also clearly working to develop its own capabilities in this field. In terms of development progress, the MQ-28 Ghost Bat appears to be the furthest down the line. It not only has a regular and aggressive test flight schedule, but has demonstrated the ability to perform critical elements of the role that CCA are expected to perform. While other platforms and companies have achieved elements of this, Lockheed’s offensive counter-air demonstration being one example, few have integrated it onto a working testbed. Fewer still are demonstrating the concepts that air forces are hoping will achieve future air dominance in real flight tests.  

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on September 30, 2025.  The lead image is AI-generated and shows an F-35 with two loyal wingmen/collaborative combat aircraft.