U.S. Air Force advances Collaborative Combat Aircraft program with disciplined weapons integration testing phase

This milestone marks a deliberate step in integrating the CCA into the Air Force’s future force design. Captive carry testing with inert weapons assesses the aircraft’s ability to safely carry external stores, confirms structural integrity and aerodynamic performance, and verifies compatibility between the aircraft and its weapons systems before any live employment is considered.

“We are following the same detailed approach used in every other aircraft developmental test program to validate structural performance, flight characteristics and safe separation,” said Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “This ensures the CCA can safely integrate inert weapons before future employment.”

The CCA program is intended to provide affordable, risk-tolerant aircraft that operate as part of a human-machine team. These aircraft are designed to extend the reach, survivability, and effectiveness of crewed platforms in contested environments.

Program officials emphasized that the current phase remains developmental and focused on safe systems integration rather than operational use. The use of inert test weapons enables engineers and test pilots to evaluate performance and separation safety in a controlled setting without live ordnance.

“CCA is a critical part of a larger, integrated system-of-systems that will give our warfighters the overwhelming advantage,” Wilsbach said. “This program is about delivering a network of effects that will sense, strike, and shield our forces in contested environments. We are empowering our teams to take smart risks and deliver this capability faster, ensuring we can deter, and if necessary, defeat any adversary.”

Throughout development and testing, a human retains authority over decisions to release weapons. The CCA is designed to operate within established command structures and legal frameworks governing all Air Force weapons systems.

By advancing weapons integration testing in a deliberate and transparent manner, the Air Force continues efforts to modernize its force. The service states that this approach supports deterrence, national defense, and its commitment to responsible innovation.