The U.S. Department of Defense is stepping up its efforts to advance unmanned aerial combat capabilities. Recently, the U.S. Air Force inked contracts with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and Anduril Industries. These agreements go beyond merely focusing on the development of next-generation unmanned fighter prototypes; they also encompass plans to ramp up the production of hundreds of autonomous combat aircraft. Under these contracts, General Atomics will take charge of producing the FQ-42A 'Dark Merlin,' while Anduril will be responsible for manufacturing the FQ-44A 'Fury.' The U.S. Air Force has set its sights on procuring more than 150 operational Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by the end of this decade. These CCAs are intended to operate in tandem with manned fighters, enhancing the overall combat effectiveness of the air force.
