During his confirmation hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee, Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, the nominee for Air Force Chief of Staff, mentioned that the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard might also form their own CCA units alongside the active duty forces.
Collaborative combat aircraft, designed as semi-autonomous drone wingmen, are intended to operate alongside manned fighters like the F-35 and the forthcoming F-47, a sixth-generation aircraft developed by Boeing.
The Air Force envisions these CCAs executing strike operations, carrying out reconnaissance, jamming enemy communications, or even acting as decoys to divert enemy attacks from manned aircraft. Given the limited number of pilots and aircraft, the Air Force views CCAs as a vital force multiplier, enhancing mission capabilities while reducing human risk and operational costs.
Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
