US Air Force to induct 1000 new combat aircraft following Iran war accord; six companies secure contracts

US Air Force to deploy 1,000 AI-powered CCA fighter jets under contracts with General Atomics and Anduril following an agreement with Iran.

WASHINGTON — Following the signing of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran, the United States has taken a monumental step towards reinforcing its aerial warfare capabilities. The US Air Force (USAF), which has long been developing aircraft capable of operating alongside manned fighter jets in combat, has formally greenlit a plan to deploy approximately 1,000 semi-autonomous combat aircraft.

These uncrewed jets will be equipped with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and mission autonomy software, enabling them to execute rapid operations in highly hazardous combat zones.

General Atomics and Anduril Secure Primary Contracts
Under the first phase of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme, the USAF has awarded production contracts to General Atomics and Anduril.
General Atomics will manufacture the FQ-42A aircraft. Anduril will develop the FQ-44A model.
According to Air Force officials, both companies met the strict mission requirements four months ahead of schedule.
"This technology will allow the US to outpace adversaries in highly contested environments. The partnership between human and machine will prove decisive in future conflicts."
— General Ken Wilsbach, Chief of the US Air Force

Six Defence Giants Enlisted for Mission Autonomy Software
The USAF has extended its focus beyond physical manufacturing, awarding software contracts to six major defence firms to develop the crucial Mission Autonomy Software.
The contracted companies include:
Anduril
General Atomics
Lockheed Martin
Northrop Grumman
RTX Collins Aerospace
Shield AI

To accelerate software delivery, Anduril, RTX Collins Aerospace, and Shield AI have been granted additional production options. US Air Force Secretary Troy Mink emphasised that mission autonomy is the absolute backbone of the CCA programme, noting that a multi-vendor model ensures the rapid integration of cutting-edge technology.

Accelerated Timeline for New Combat Aircraft
The development of these next-generation aircraft has progressed at an unprecedented pace. General Atomics confirmed that its YFQ-42A prototype completed its maiden flight in August 2025, moving from testing to the production phase in just 15 months. The aircraft features a modular design, allowing it to be customised for diverse mission requirements.

Brian Schimpf, CEO of Anduril, remarked that the project serves as a prime example of a fast, modern model that breaks away from traditional, sluggish defence procurement systems.
The USAF aims to have over 150 combat-ready aircraft deployed by the end of the decade, with plans to scale the fleet up to 1,000 jets in the future.