US’ ‘loyal wingman’ program: 6 companies to be shortlisted by Air Force for combat drones

Military forces worldwide are increasingly investing in autonomous combat drones that can operate alongside crewed aircraft, expanding firepower while reducing risks to pilots. As part of this shift, the US Air Force (USAF) is advancing its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program by moving closer to selecting the next generation of AI-enabled drone wingmen. USAF plans to narrow a field of nine companies competing in the second phase of the CCA program to as many as six finalists next year. Separately, USAF also expects to begin concept refinement for a next-generation aircraft to replace the MQ-9A Reaper early in the next fiscal year. Drone wingmen progress The CCA program is an initiative to develop autonomous or AI-enabled drones that fly alongside crewed fighter aircraft as “loyal wingmen.” Rather than replacing human pilots, these drones are designed to work as teammates, extending the capabilities of aircraft such as the F-35 and the future Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter. The competition is currently in the concept refinement stage, with participating companies developing and improving their aircraft designs over the next 10 months. The Air Force will then select up to six concepts to move into prototype development and later compete for production contracts, according to reports. Unlike traditional procurement programs, the USAF will keep the competition open across multiple stages, allowing unsuccessful bidders to re-enter later phases if they offer improved technologies or designs. The approach is intended to encourage innovation and maximize competition. The second CCA increment is evaluating a wide range of aircraft concepts. Some designs focus on relatively inexpensive, expendable drones that can be deployed in large numbers and, if necessary, sacrificed during combat. Others emphasize more advanced and capable aircraft equipped with sophisticated sensors, longer range, and greater survivability. USAF has not yet indicated which type of design it ultimately intends to prioritize. The first phase of the CCA program has already progressed into production with two different autonomous drone designs. Those aircraft are expected to serve as robotic teammates for crewed fighter jets, carrying weapons, gathering intelligence, conducting electronic warfare, or entering high-risk areas where sending a human pilot would be too dangerous. Next-gen propulsion To support future drone designs, USAF is also investing in the development of new aircraft engines. Separate contracts have been awarded to companies developing smaller engines producing 1,400–1,600 pounds (635–726 kg) of thrust, as well as larger medium-class engines producing 5,000–6,000 pounds (2,268–2,722 kg) of thrust. These propulsion projects are designed to ensure suitable engines are available regardless of which aircraft concepts are eventually selected. The engine development effort is not tied to any single drone design. Instead, it is intended to provide multiple propulsion options for future aircraft, including entirely new engine designs or modified versions of existing technologies that can meet the performance requirements of the next generation of autonomous combat aircraft, according to reports. Alongside the CCA program, the Air Force is also beginning work on a replacement for its MQ-9A Reaper drone. The Defense Innovation Unit has launched the Mass Modular Aircraft (MMA) program to develop a more affordable and expendable unmanned aircraft capable of performing many of the same intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions as the Reaper.The new aircraft is expected to cost less than $30 million per unit while offering greater flexibility and survivability in modern conflicts, where large, expensive drones have become increasingly vulnerable to advanced air defenses. The competition has attracted strong interest from industry, with concept refinement contracts expected to be awarded during the first quarter of fiscal year 2027. Recommended ArticlesGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.Jijo is an automotive and business journalist based in India. Armed with a BA in History (Honors) from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and a PG diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, he has worked for news agencies, national newspapers, and automotive magazines. In his spare time, he likes to go off-roading, engage in political discourse, travel, and teach languages.