Pioneering the Future of U.S. Air Dominance through Collaborative Combat Aircraft

The U.S. Air Force has made a groundbreaking choice by selecting Anduril Industries and General Atomics to spearhead the development of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), an ambitious initiative that places advanced autonomous systems at the heart of America’s military strategy. On April 24, 2024, the Air Force broke with tradition, opting to bypass established defense giants such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. Instead, the contracts were awarded to Anduril, a forward-thinking Silicon Valley startup founded in 2017, and General Atomics, a seasoned leader in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This pivotal decision underscores the Air Force's commitment to embracing cutting-edge innovation and autonomous technology in defense.

The implications of this selection extend far beyond the immediate impact on the CCA program. It signals a significant shift in the U.S. military’s approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI), autonomy, and networked warfare into its operational framework. As defense budgets tighten and geopolitical threats intensify, the demand for cost-effective, scalable autonomous solutions has never been more critical. Over the past two years, I have actively engaged with key executives from major defense companies in both the U.K. and the U.S., striving to facilitate their proactive involvement to help map out and help them lead this evolving landscape. The CCA initiative launched by the USAF and the UK Ministry of Defence, including the recently announced ‘Brakestop’ program, sends a greater stark message to traditional defense primes, that the era of heavy metal warfare, characterised by the fact that manned aircraft and significantly manned naval vessel budgets are going to be financially curtailed to make way for agile, and attritable autonomous systems. The choices made by the USAF and soon, the UK MoD are poised to reignite critical discussions around their existing and future strategies. I trust this perspective will serve not only to bring those that read it up to speed on what the USAF is looking to accomplish, but to also serve as a heads up to those within the boardrooms of the defense giants that really should be paying ?attention.

An Evolution in Air Power

The CCA ?program represents the next frontier of unmanned systems development, a crucial element in the broader U.S. Air Force strategy to counter the rapidly growing military capabilities of peer adversaries like China. The concept behind CCA is as innovative as it is necessary: by deploying a fleet of highly capable, autonomous drones that operate in conjunction with manned fighter jets, the U.S. Air Force can significantly expand its firepower, extend its operational range, and provide "affordable mass" in the face of increasingly complex and lethal threats.

Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall, believes the U.S. needs a force structure capable of countering the growing power projection capabilities of adversaries in regions like the Indo-Pacific. The Air Force’s planned procurement of?1,000 to 2,000 CCAs, at an estimated cost of $30 million per unit reflects this commitment to building out a robust, agile, and scalable unmanned fleet. By augmenting the capabilities of manned systems such as the F-35, F-22, and the upcoming?Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD)?platform, CCAs are expected to shoulder a significant portion of combat missions. In doing so, they will help preserve America’s edge in contested environments by increasing the number of weapons deployed, expanding Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage, and potentially engaging in electronic warfare or dogfights.

Initially, CCAs will be tasked with serving as force multipliers, flying alongside advanced fighter jets and carrying additional munitions to compensate for the limited internal weapon capacity of stealth aircraft. This role is crucial, particularly when operating against sophisticated air defense networks, where stealth fighters may need to avoid carrying weapons externally to maintain their radar-evading capabilities. The ability to deploy CCAs as "loyal wingmen" in these scenarios extends the strike capabilities of piloted aircraft while reducing risk to human operators.

However, future iterations of CCA, particularly?Increment 2, are envisioned to take on more sophisticated and autonomous roles. As AI technology evolves, these systems could eventually perform complex missions independently, including ISR, electronic attack, cyber warfare, or even air-to-air engagements, making them key players in achieving air dominance.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy in Military Aviation

At the core of the CCA program is the integration of?artificial intelligence?(AI) and?autonomous systems, two technologies that are radically transforming the modern battlefield. The introduction of AI into military aviation has long been seen as a game-changer, offering the potential for real-time decision-making, adaptive learning, and faster-than-human processing speeds in high-stress environments. These advancements come with profound implications for the future of warfare, where the ability to harness AI could determine success or failure in major combat operations.

One of the key innovations behind the CCA program is the idea of “collaboration” between human pilots and AI-controlled drones. Rather than simply acting as robotic tools, CCAs are designed to think, react, and adapt autonomously, operating within a swarm of manned and unmanned assets. These autonomous drones can be outfitted with advanced sensors, targeting systems, and weapons, allowing them to operate independently or in tandem with human pilots to execute complex missions. This collaborative capability is expected to reduce pilot workload, increase mission efficiency, and allow for more dynamic and decentralised decision-making on the battlefield.

For Anduril and General Atomics, the integration of AI represents the crux of their CCA concepts.?Anduril, is well known for its cutting-edge AI software and data fusion technologies. They have built a reputation for leveraging machine learning to enhance situational awareness, target recognition, and decision-making. Its acquisition of?Blue Force Technologies?and the?“Fury”?stealth drone program has provided it with a platform to implement AI-based capabilities on an aerial combat system scale. This acquisition highlights how rapidly Anduril is moving to adapt next-generation AI into defense applications, making it a major player and early leader in autonomous warfare.

Meanwhile,?General Atomics, an industry veteran in unmanned systems has been working to incorporate advanced AI algorithms into its existing?Gambit?concept, which features five autonomous platforms optimized for specific mission sets. This modular approach leverages AI to maximise flexibility and scalability, with the Gambit’s common core system acting as the foundation for a diverse range of aircraft that can be tailored to meet mission-specific needs.

Implications for the Future of Combat

The potential impact of AI on combat operations cannot be overstated. One of the most promising aspects of AI is its ability to process vast amounts of data in real time, enabling autonomous systems to make split-second decisions in situations where human reaction times would be too slow. For example, in a scenario where an enemy missile is fired at an allied aircraft, an AI-driven drone could instantly calculate the trajectory, speed, and potential evasive manoeuvres, then act accordingly, whether by deploying countermeasures, returning fire, or positioning itself to intercept the missile.

Moreover, AI enables drones like CCAs to autonomously navigate complex and contested environments, avoiding radar detection, flying precise routes, and executing attacks without direct human input. In air-to-air combat, where engagements can unfold at breakneck speeds, AI could serve as a multiplier, coordinating multiple drones to overwhelm adversaries through sheer numbers and superior tactics.

The Air Force’s decision to pursue a more?affordable mass?approach for the CCA program, rather than developing a smaller number of high-end autonomous aircraft, reflects lessons learned from recent wargames. These exercises revealed that a greater number of simpler drones, equipped with AI-driven combat capabilities, could provide a decisive advantage in large-scale campaigns, particularly in the Pacific theatre, which is a mission focus of Artemis Defence Technologies. In such scenarios, the ability to deploy swarms of autonomous CCAs, each capable of independently assessing threats and coordinating with manned aircraft, would offer unparalleled operational flexibility.

A Paradigm Shift in Military-Industry Collaboration

Beyond the technological implications, the CCA program also represents a broader shift in the relationship between the U.S. military and the defense industry. Traditionally, companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin have dominated large-scale defense contracts, leveraging their manufacturing capabilities and long-standing relationships with the Pentagon. However, the rise of?non-traditional defense contractors?like Anduril signals a changing tide, where innovation, speed, and flexibility are increasingly prioritised over legacy reputations.

Despite my personal support for the Anduril team, Anduril’s rapid ascent in the defense space has sparked both admiration and controversy. The company’s unconventional approach to defense contracting, one that prioritises software development, agile engineering, and private investment has allowed it to outmanoeuvre more established players in certain domains.?Anduril’s CEO, Brian Schimpf, has emphasized the company’s commitment to pushing boundaries, stating that Anduril is proud to pave the way for other non-traditional companies to compete in large-scale defense programs.

On the other hand,?General Atomics?continues to build on its legacy of developing advanced unmanned systems, leveraging its decades of experience in platforms like the?MQ-1 Predator?and?MQ-9 Reaper. The company’s modular approach to CCA design, which revolves around a core engine, keel, and landing gear, reflects a forward-thinking philosophy that balances scalability with cost efficiency. General Atomics’ ability to continuously evolve and test new technologies, such as its?XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station?and?MQ-20 Avenger, positions it as a leader in the autonomous systems space.

Global Implications: A Networked Future for Air Combat

The U.S. Air Force’s plans for CCAs extend beyond national borders, with a clear emphasis on fostering?international partnerships?and?Foreign Military Sales to allied nations. As the CCA program progresses, the U.S. will be looking to partner with countries like Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom, enabling them to procure and integrate these autonomous systems into their own air forces. This global network of autonomous combat systems could become a linchpin in the effort to deter aggression and maintain strategic balance, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific, where China’s growing military presence poses a significant threat.

International collaboration on CCA also highlights the Air Force’s desire for?interoperability, namely the ability of allied forces to operate seamlessly in joint operations. By aligning the CCA development process with the defense needs of partner nations, the U.S. can build a coalition capable of operating in lockstep, leveraging shared technologies, tactics, and strategies to counter potential adversaries more effectively. This networked approach not only enhances combat readiness but also strengthens the ties between the U.S. and its allies, providing a formidable deterrent against aggressive actions in regions of strategic importance, such as the Indo-Pacific.

Moreover, the introduction of AI-driven autonomous systems into these coalitions could redefine how multinational air operations are conducted. Imagine a future where autonomous CCA fleets from multiple allied nations are networked together, operating as a cohesive swarm across vast geographical distances. These AI-powered drones would continuously exchange real-time data on threats, terrain, and mission objectives, adjusting their tactics dynamically based on the input from human pilots and fellow autonomous systems. This level of coordination, facilitated by advanced AI algorithms, would offer unparalleled operational efficiency and effectiveness, making it far more difficult for adversaries to exploit gaps in allied defences.

AI’s Role in Decentralised Command Structures

One of the significant advantages of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into military aviation is the potential to decentralise command and control structures. In traditional military operations, decision-making typically follows a hierarchical chain of command, with orders flowing from senior leaders down to field commanders and their units. This structure, while effective in many situations, can be a limiting factor in fast-paced, high-threat environments where the need for split-second decision-making is crucial.

AI-enabled systems, like the CCAs being developed by Anduril and General Atomics, offer the potential to decentralise decision-making processes. Instead of relying solely on human operators to issue commands, these autonomous systems can assess their environment in real-time, make data-driven decisions, and execute tasks independently. This capability is particularly useful in air combat scenarios, where pilots are often overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information and rapid pace of engagement. For example, during a complex mission involving multiple enemy aircraft, an AI-powered CCA could autonomously analyse the tactical situation, identify potential threats, and select the most appropriate countermeasures, whether it’s launching a missile, deploying electronic jamming, or evading an incoming attack. The system’s ability to act autonomously reduces the cognitive load on human pilots, allowing them to focus on higher-level strategic objectives rather than being bogged down by minute-to-minute tactical decisions.

This decentralised approach also allows for greater resilience in contested environments. If communication between a human pilot and an AI-driven drone is disrupted due to enemy jamming or cyber-attacks, the drone can continue its mission autonomously, ensuring that critical tasks are completed even when traditional command and control structures are compromised. This capability is particularly valuable in the face of adversaries like China, which has heavily invested in electronic warfare and cyber capabilities designed to degrade U.S. military communications.

Ethical and Strategic Challenges of AI in Warfare

While the integration of AI and autonomy into military aviation holds immense promise, it also raises significant ethical and strategic challenges that must be addressed. One of the most pressing concerns is the potential for autonomous systems to make life-and-death decisions without direct human oversight. In scenarios where AI-driven drones are tasked with engaging enemy targets, there is a risk that these systems could make mistakes misidentifying friendly forces, civilians, or non-combatants as legitimate threats. The U.S. Department of Defense has emphasised the importance of maintaining a “human-in-the-loop” approach for lethal actions, ensuring that human operators retain ultimate authority over decisions involving the use of force. However, as AI technology continues to advance, the line between human oversight and machine autonomy may become increasingly blurred. In high-intensity combat situations, where split-second decisions are required, it may not always be practical or feasible for human operators to intervene in every instance.

This dilemma has sparked heated debate within the defense community, with some experts advocating for stricter controls on the use of AI in lethal operations, while others argue that autonomous systems are essential for maintaining a competitive edge in modern warfare. The U.S. military’s approach to these challenges will likely shape the future of autonomous warfare and influence how other nations, both allies and adversaries, develop their own AI-driven systems. Moreover, the potential for AI systems to be hacked or compromised by adversaries presents another strategic challenge. In a future conflict, adversaries like China or Russia could attempt to infiltrate the AI algorithms controlling U.S. autonomous systems, potentially turning these drones against their operators or rendering them ineffective. To counter this threat, Anduril, General Atomics, and other defense contractors are investing heavily in cybersecurity measures designed to harden AI systems against external attacks. This includes the development of?resilient algorithms?that can detect and respond to anomalies in real-time, as well as robust encryption protocols to secure communications between autonomous systems and human operators.

Navigating the Competitive Landscape

As the U.S. Air Force pushes forward with the CCA program, it must also contend with the realities of budgetary constraints and industry dynamics. The defense budget, while substantial, is not limitless, and the U.S Air Force’s goal of producing?1,000 to 2,000 CCAs?by the mid-2030s will require careful balancing of cost, risk, and technological ambition. One of the primary challenges facing the CCA program is ensuring that these autonomous systems are?affordable at scale. With an estimated unit cost of $30 million, the CCA is far less expensive than manned platforms like the F-35, which costs upwards of $80 million per unit. However, the sheer number of CCAs required to maintain air superiority in a conflict with a peer adversary presents a significant financial burden. To mitigate these costs, the Air Force has adopted a modular approach to CCA development, allowing for the use of common components across multiple platforms. This strategy, exemplified by General Atomics’?“Gambit”?design, is intended to streamline production and reduce long-term sustainment costs. By leveraging a common core of key systems such as engines, landing gear, and avionics, the Air Force can ensure that CCAs are both flexible and cost-effective.

However, the tight budgetary environment has already forced difficult decisions within the defense industry. Secretary Kendall originally hoped to select three companies for the first phase of the CCA program but was forced to choose only two Anduril and General Atomics due to budgetary constraints. This decision has created intense competition among defense contractors, with companies vying for a piece of what is likely to be one of the most lucrative military programs of the decade.

In addition to financial pressures, the CCA program has also exposed tensions within the industry, particularly between established defense contractors and non-traditional players like Anduril. At the 2024?Air Force Association (AFA) conference, General Atomics criticized Anduril by referring to it as the “Theranos of defense ”a reference to the infamous medical startup that collapsed due to fraudulent claims. Anduril, in turn, defended its track record, pointing to its rapid growth and successful acquisitions as evidence of its ability to deliver on its promises.

These tensions reflect the broader dynamics at play in the defense industry, where?innovation?and?disruption?are increasingly prized over traditional business models. Anduril’s rise as a major player in the defense space has been fuelled by its ability to attract top engineering talent, embrace private investment, and leverage its Silicon Valley roots to develop cutting-edge technologies. This contrasts with more established defence contractors, which have historically relied on long-term government cost plus contracts and large-scale manufacturing capabilities.

Shaping the Future of Autonomous Air Combat

The CCA program represents not only a technological leap forward but also a fundamental shift in how the U.S. military approaches air combat, procurement, and industry partnerships. The integration of AI and autonomous systems into air warfare will undoubtedly reshape the battlefield, offering new capabilities that were once confined to science fiction.

The future of autonomous combat aircraft will depend not just on the ability of Anduril, General Atomics, it will require other defence contractors to overcome technical, financial, and ethical challenges. The successful deployment of CCAs will require a delicate balance between innovation and practicality, ensuring that these systems are both cutting-edge and cost-effective.

Ultimately, the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program will play a crucial role in shaping the future of U.S. air power. As China, Russia, and other adversaries invest heavily in advanced military technologies, the U.S. Air Force has no choice but to innovate to maintain a competitive edge. This is not just about keeping up; it’s about leading the way in air dominance amid growing global threats.

The decisions made on CCA will determine the future of U.S. military aviation and impact global security. Major defence companies in the USA and EU need to recognise this wake-up call. Many are now find themselves on the sidelines of important programs they did not see coming. The reality is that several defence industry leaders tasked with proactively ensuring they remain relevant with the likes of the United States Department of Defence and the UK Ministry of Defence have been caught off guard, this is a serious issue for the relevance of the companies they lead and it is a deeply serious issue that requires immediate action. Without quick adaptation, traditional defence giants risk obsolescence in a future where agility and innovation matter more than old-school heavy metal solutions, and the Defence agencies are not afraid to cancel laborious expensive heavy solution contracts at the stroke of a pen. The time for complacency is over. The future of defence belongs to those who understand the changing landscape and take decisive action now.

Carl Cagliarini

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