Collaborative Combat Aircraft

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems completed an MQ-9 Remote Split Operations facility at GrandSky in Grand Forks, adding two ground control stations for crews supporting missions through U.S. Africa Command. The development and a 20–30-year outlook for crewed-autonomous teaming point to evolving defense-market capabilities, but the report identifies no solicitation, award, funding amount, or acquisition timeline.

After the FCAS partnership faltered, Europe’s next-generation airpower plans are diverging: GCAP targets service entry in 2035, while Germany aims for a collaborative combat aircraft capability in 2029. No solicitation or contract value is identified, but prospective demand may center on uncrewed systems, local integration, software and sensor sovereignty, and domestic sustainment.

Lockheed Martin is positioning its Skunk Works Vectis uncrewed aircraft for a potential future U.S. Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) increment. No solicitation, schedule, or award decision exists yet, making this an early market indicator rather than an active procurement opportunity for contractors to pursue.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is targeting international markets with its Gambit Collaborative Combat Aircraft family. This strategic move underscores the growing demand for versatile military drone capabilities and opens avenues for future procurement opportunities in multiple nations.

The U.S. Air Force is focused on procuring 1,000 autonomous aircraft by 2032, significantly expanding its operational capabilities. The procurement strategy includes $996.5 million for the first Increment of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, highlighting an urgent need for innovation in the face of evolving defense dynamics.