# GA-ASI Advances Collaborative Combat Aircraft Autonomy

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is using its MQ-20 Avenger as a live-flight testbed to mature autonomy and mission systems for the FQ-42 Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Testing addresses operations in communications-degraded environments and coordination among multiple aircraft. The report identifies no solicitation, contract award, funding amount, or procurement timeline, so it describes technology development rather than a current contracting opportunity.

- Defense procurement teams and contractors can use the testing focus to assess how their autonomy, resilient communications, and multi-aircraft coordination capabilities align with future Collaborative Combat Aircraft needs.
- Because no acquisition vehicle or funding is identified, companies should not treat the report as an open solicitation or confirmed award; it signals technology maturation relevant to potential future requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 30, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Air Force (USAF)

### Vendors
- General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) ()

### Sources
- [Inside GA-ASI’s ‘flying laboratory’ - Defense One](https://www.defenseone.com/sponsors/2026/09/inside-ga-asis-flying-laboratory/416207) - defenseone.com