# Air Force Tests YFQ-44A Autonomy

The U.S. Air Force demonstrated an F-22 pilot issuing high-level tactical commands to an Anduril-built YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft in flight, with the aircraft’s autonomy software carrying out maneuvers and simulated combat tasks. The Air Force says test data will inform software integration and further development. Alongside production awards to Anduril and General Atomics and the service’s goals of 500 combat-ready semi-autonomous aircraft by 2032 and a 1,000-aircraft fleet, the demonstration signals sustained demand for CCA autonomy, integration, and testing capabilities; the signals identify no new solicitation or contract value.

- The demonstration highlights work areas for defense contractors in autonomous mission software, crewed-uncrewed aircraft integration, flight testing, and developmental evaluation.
- Anduril and General Atomics are identified as recipients of CCA production awards, but no award values or contract numbers are provided.
- Companies can use the Air Force’s stated fleet goals and testing focus to assess relevant capabilities and potential teaming or subcontracting opportunities; the signals do not identify an open procurement or proposal deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 20, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- Department of the Air Force (DAF)
- 412th Test Wing
- 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron

### Vendors
- Anduril (CCA production awardee and YFQ-44A aircraft manufacturer)
- General Atomics (CCA production awardee)

### Key Quotes
> This achievement demonstrates what is possible when we are aligned with industry on a shared imperative: delivering capability to the warfighter at unprecedented speed. We are driving urgency into every part of acquisition from rapid integration and flight learning to disciplined assessment, so we can turn promising technology into combat capability at the pace the threat demands.
> — Troy Meink, Secretary of the Air Force

### Sources
- [US Air Force F-22 pilot controls unmanned FQ-44 in flight](https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/10/20/us-air-force-f-22-pilot-controls-unmanned-fq-44-in-flight) - Defense News
- [F-22 Pilot Directs YFQ-44A CCA in Airborne Control Test](https://www.executivegov.com/articles/f-22-yfq-44a-cca-airborne-tactical-control-test) - ExecutiveGov