General Atomics, U.S., German Firms Form European CCA Partnership

General Atomics is advancing a European Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) project by integrating its U.S. and German aerospace affiliates into a joint operation. The aircraft, derived from the U.S. Air Force's YFQ-42A prototype currently in ground testing and set for first flight later this summer, will be assembled in Europe with European mission systems customized and manufactured by General Atomics Aerotec Systems GmbH in Germany. This partnership leverages existing investments and expertise on both sides of the Atlantic to accelerate European uncrewed fighter development and meet rapid acquisition timelines for European nations. The collaboration also aims to foster further international cooperation and indigenous defense partnerships, drawing on the companies' history of successful global aircraft deliveries. GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue highlighted the combination of uncrewed aircraft system expertise with European airborne sensor and weapons system knowledge to produce affordable mass quantities for NATO's fighter forces. GA-ASI, a leader in unmanned aerial systems, has delivered over 1,200 aircraft and accumulated nearly 9 million flight hours, pioneering multiple unmanned combat jets including the MQ-20 Avenger®.