The United States Air Force is taking a bold step forward in modernizing its fleet by creating dedicated squadrons for collaborative combat aircraft, a move that signals both confidence in advanced technology and a commitment to strengthening national defense.

Rather than folding these innovative drone wingmen into existing fighter squadrons, the Air Force will organize them into separate units.

This decision, revealed during a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, is setting the stage for a new era in American air power.

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General Kenneth Wilsbach, nominated to become the next Air Force Chief of Staff, addressed lawmakers on Thursday about the future of drone technology in military aviation.

During his confirmation hearing, General Wilsbach explained that these collaborative combat aircraft, or CCAs, will have their own squadrons within the active-duty Air Force, and potentially within the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard as well.

These semi-autonomous drones are not merely support equipment.

The Air Force envisions them flying in formation with advanced manned fighters such as the F-35, and even the next-generation F-47, which is currently in development by Boeing.

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The role of the CCA is diverse: they can conduct strikes, perform reconnaissance, jam enemy communications, and even act as decoys to draw fire away from piloted aircraft.

Because CCAs reduce risk to human pilots and come at a lower cost than manned aircraft, they are expected to serve as a vital “force multiplier.”

As General Wilsbach noted, there is still “a lot of learning to do” with CCAs, but their potential is clear.

By establishing new squadrons rather than embedding the drones with existing manned units, the Air Force will have the flexibility to deploy these assets wherever they are most needed.

This strategy demonstrates forward-thinking leadership that is willing to embrace technological advancement without abandoning the wisdom of careful implementation.

The Air Force’s progress in developing and testing CCAs is a testament to successful public-private partnership.

Last year, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril were chosen to build the first CCA prototypes. General Atomics’ YFQ-42A began flight tests in August, while Anduril’s YFQ-44A is set to take flight soon.

Ground testing for both drones started in May, and the Air Force has announced that the first CCA readiness unit will be based at Beale Air Force Base in California. This unit is responsible for keeping the aircraft in “fly-ready status,” ensuring rapid deployment at any time.

Senator Gary Peters of Michigan underscored the significance of these innovations, saying that CCAs are “critically important and transformative for the Air Force.”

He added that the technology will “increase lethality and decrease risk to manned platforms.” Peters, whose state is home to Selfridge Air National Guard Base, also expressed his hope that the Air National Guard would benefit from these advancements.

He pointed out that the Guard has evolved from a strategic reserve to an operational force, and it is only fitting for its airmen to operate cutting-edge technology.

General Wilsbach responded by saying, “I don’t see why the Air Force Reserve [and] the Air National Guard” would not be considered for CCA squadrons.

This inclusive approach to integrating new technology reflects a broader commitment to maximizing America’s military readiness across all components.

As the United States faces increasing competition and emerging threats, the Air Force’s CCA program remains on schedule and on budget.

Senator Peters praised this, calling it “a model for successful collaboration between the Air Force and industry.”

The commitment to efficiency and fiscal responsibility should reassure taxpayers that innovation can be achieved without wasteful spending.

The organizational decision to stand up dedicated squadrons for CCAs means the Air Force can assign these advanced assets flexibly, instead of tying them to specific manned fighter squadrons or commands.

In years to come, as bases like Selfridge prepare to receive new aircraft like the KC-46A Pegasus tanker and the F-15EX Eagle II, the potential for drone wingmen to join the fight is substantial.

The introduction of collaborative combat aircraft marks a significant leap for the Air Force, reflecting both American ingenuity and a strong sense of responsibility to keep the country safe.

With the establishment of independent drone squadrons, the Air Force will have the agility to respond to future threats and maintain its edge on the world stage.

This is not just an upgrade in hardware, but a reimagining of how America projects strength, protects its pilots, and leads through innovation.

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