Mei Pearl Holmes-Selby | Sports Editor
March 27, 2026
In 2023, the Air Force became the first Department of War branch to launch a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. With this, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) described the CCA program as “having moved decisively from concept and experimentation into early operational prototyping.” There will be two increments to update the new CCA program: one that focuses on developing and fielding and another that is designed to open up the program by contracting more companies.
In increment 1, the CCA has created prototypes of the Anduril YFQ-44A, also known as the “Fury.” It is an AI-powered semi-autonomous “unmanned combat aerial vehicle” with its first test launch in October 2025. Additionally, the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) for another jet highlighted the air-to-air autonomous operations. With both jets’ successful development and processing, the prototypes are now undergoing further developmental testing in California. Specifically, the Beale Air Force Base is the main location for the CCA Aircraft Readiness Unit. In increment 2, the program will contract with more than 20 companies to increase its scope. With it being three months ahead of schedule, the plans for the first unit will most likely come off the line this summer.
Honors Biology teacher, Mr. Wilson believes that “AI is moving too fast for society” and that it “should be used as a tool.” As for Anduril’s usage of AI semi-autonomous piloting, Wilson is “concerned about the collateral damage that will occur as AI makes many mistakes” that could lead to detrimental damage. Wilson also shared that “science fiction is becoming science fact.”
Although they are planning for mass scaling of these Anduril Furies, the factory is designated to produce 150 Fury aircraft annually at full capacity so long as their plans are on a smooth path. Additionally, the CCA program will integrate combative and high-end fighting that the Anduril Fury will be able to perform.
This exciting new age of technology brings many different perspectives into sight. Sophomore Logan Rumerman believes AI in “the military can and should be used, but under human supervision with no definitive decisions being made by a computer or AI.” This popular opinion resonates with many as companies and governments use AI for systems such as targeting, face ID, and tracking.
Leave a Reply