The U.S. Air Force Puts Autonomous Fighter Drones Through Their Paces at Creech

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The U.S. Air Force tested its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme in a major Agile Combat Employment exercise at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, according to Air Force Warfare Center Public Affairs. The multi-day event marked a significant step in moving the uncrewed platforms out of controlled test conditions and into the hands of operational warfighters.

Building the Foundations

The Collaborative Combat Aircraft Experimental Operations Unit led the exercise, generating multiple sorties with YFQ-44A Fury aircraft. Teams tested reliability, extended range and integration with manned aircraft across the local airspace. The unit also simulated scenarios designed to shape future requirements for the programme.

Lt. Col. Matthew Jensen, the Experimental Operations Unit commander, said the exercise pushed CCA operations beyond traditional testing environments. He added that this approach lets the unit continue learning, refining and rapidly iterating the platform’s capabilities.

Strategic Context

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach linked the effort directly to modern air superiority requirements. He said contested environments demand affordable mass, delivered through uncrewed systems flying alongside Airmen.

Members of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center observed the exercise as part of a new rapid testing procedure. AFOTEC commander Brig. Gen. Jesse Friedel said these warfighter-run exercises let test teams gather data that speeds up fielding decisions.

Rapid Progress

The CCA programme has moved from concept to flight testing in under two years. Wilsbach said lessons from Creech will directly shape how the Air Force integrates uncrewed systems into future combat operations.

Learn more on the U.S. Air Force website

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