General Atomics launches transatlantic partnership to develop European Collaborative Combat Aircraft

The aircraft will be based on the YFQ-42A prototype, developed by GA-ASI and currently undergoing ground testing, with a first flight expected later this summer. European mission customisation and production will be carried out by GA-ATS at its facility in Oberpfaffenhofen, near Munich.

By using an already mature U.S. design and established aerospace infrastructure on both sides of the Atlantic, the company aims to meet Europe’s urgent defence timelines. “We’re eager to combine our uncrewed aircraft system expertise with the airborne sensor and weapons system expertise of the European defense industry, starting with our own affiliate GA Aerotec Systems GmbH in Germany,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue.

The initiative is designed to provide rapid capability to NATO air forces through the integration of high-technology European components. “With a proven CCA design already in production today, these systems will be delivered in significant quantity with high-technology European inputs to build and sustain affordable mass for NATO’s fighter forces,” Blue added.

General Atomics is a leader in unmanned aerial systems, having delivered over 1,200 aircraft with nearly nine million flight hours across global fleets. The YFQ-42A is a derivative of the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station, itself based on GA-ASI’s legacy of innovation including the MQ-20 Avenger.

GA-ATS brings over 40 years of aviation experience in Germany, performing aircraft production, MRO on NH-90 helicopters, and engine overhaul services. Its expertise with aircraft such as the Do-228 and the TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, which also powers the MQ-9, strengthens the new CCA programme’s industrial base.

“European nations are essential and irreplaceable allies for the United States and our company,” said Blue. “We will supply a mature aircraft baseline already well along in its development, and we’ll look forward to German and other European national partnerships to bring these aircraft online in European and NATO air forces as the Continent grows a new generation of highly capable defense systems.”

General Atomics emphasises international collaboration as a cornerstone of its strategy, with aircraft operated by the US, UK, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, India, and others. This new partnership reflects the company’s commitment to supporting shared defence goals through established multinational cooperation.