# Navy Seeks Carrier-Based AI Drone Prototypes

The U.S. Navy’s first carrier-based Collaborative Combat Aircraft effort is advancing toward prototype procurement. Its RFI, which closed September 18, 2026, sought proposals for two fully functional, autonomous prototypes at a target cost below $30 million per aircraft. The requirements call for first flight within two years of contract award, shore-based carrier certification within three years, operation from Nimitz- and Ford-class carriers as well as austere airstrips, and carriage of at least four 2,500-pound munitions. The carrier launch, landing, and deck-footprint requirements distinguish this opportunity from other CCA efforts and shape the potential follow-on competition.

- The RFI response period has closed; interested contractors can use its stated performance goals to assess their readiness for a follow-on solicitation, which the signal identifies as a potential next step.
- Companies should evaluate their ability to meet the prototype cost target, compressed flight and certification timelines, carrier-qualification demands, and payload requirements.
- The Navy’s specified control interface is sourced from Lockheed Martin. Anduril and General Atomics are identified in the extracted information as Air Force CCA Increment One awardees, not as Navy RFI awardees.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Navy (USN)
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)

### Vendors
- Lockheed Martin (Source of the control interface specified for the Navy CCA effort)
- Anduril (Air Force CCA Increment One awardee and developer of the FQ-44 Fury; not identified as a Navy RFI awardee)
- General Atomics (Air Force CCA Increment One awardee and developer of the FQ-42 Vengeance; not identified as a Navy RFI awardee)

### Sources
- [Navy wants its own AI-piloted drone fighters to put on aircraft carriers | Sandboxx](https://www.sandboxx.us/news/navy-wants-its-own-ai-piloted-drone-fighters-to-put-on-aircraft-carriers) - Sandboxx