Air Force Moves Forward with CCA and MQ-9 Replacements

The U.S. Air Force is currently making significant strides in its efforts to develop next-generation drone technologies, particularly through its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Increment 2 program. This initiative, which is designed to refine and prototype advanced drone systems, will narrow current contenders from nine down to six vendors by mid-2027. As a continuation of the Air Force's focus on enhancing its operational capabilities, this program anticipates progressive advancements that will have profound implications for procurement in the aerospace sector, especially for contractors specializing in drone design, engineering, and autonomous systems. The competition structure allows several companies to be awarded prototyping contracts, fostering an environment of innovation and enabling the Air Force to critically assess a variety of technological solutions before finalizing production models.

Col. Timothy Helfridge, the Fighter Portfolio Acquisition Executive, remarked on the progress this week, pointing out that approximately ten months remain in the concept refinement phase. During this period, the selected vendors are expected to provide detailed designs and specifications mirroring initial requirements for the CCA program. As highlighted by Col. Helfridge, "We have another approximately 10 months left of our concept-refinement contract, where we would expect to have the refined attributes as we did before, as well as several closed conceptual designs."

Alongside the CCA initiative, the Air Force and the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) are also preparing to initiate concept refinement contracts for the Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) program, which aims to replace the aging MQ-9A Reaper drones. The MMA program is deemed essential for ensuring the Air Force retains cutting-edge ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) and strike capabilities. With preliminary flight tests targeted within just 21 months and plans for operational deployment of 20 drones by fiscal year 2031, the importance of rapid prototyping is underscored by the service’s need to replace lost drone assets and advance operational effectiveness in a variety of mission scenarios.

Col. John Dayton, the portfolio acquisition executive for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and special operations forces, elaborated on the MMA’s focus on affordability and mass production. During a media roundtable, he stated, "Part of the approach we’re taking is to engage with industry, including non-traditional vendors, with a very broad requirements set to understand what’s possible within that space." This strategy is critical given the recent operational challenges the Air Force has faced, including the loss of nearly 30 Reaper drones in engagements against adversaries that necessitate effective simultaneous threat responses.

With the Air Force having ceased production of the MQ-9A Reaper, which costs around $30 million per unit, the urgency to create a viable, cost-effective replacement system is paramount. The MMA will incorporate various payload capabilities, and its adaptability for swarm deployment may enhance Air Force operational agility. The Air Force seeks to establish a target price point based on industry input, with a vision that aligns with a broader strategy for developing affordable UAV platforms that maintain a high level of mission flexibility.

In summary, these ongoing procurement efforts present substantial opportunities for the defense contracting sector. Vendors specializing in drone technologies, artificial intelligence, and autonomous operations should prepare for upcoming competitions, keep a close eye on contract award timelines, and ensure their proposals align with the evolving requirements of both the CCA and MMA programs.

• The CCA Increment 2 program is reducing from nine to six competitors for prototyping.
• Expected selection finalization in mid-2027 following a 10-month concept refinement phase.
• MMA program works to build affordable, mass-producible UAVs expected to fly by early FY 2028.
• Recent contracts for drone engines awarded to GE and Rolls-Royce emphasize propulsion innovation.
• Infusion of non-traditional vendors welcomed to broaden competitive landscape.
• The target is to maintain operational readiness with 20 MMA drones by fiscal 2031.