German and European defence companies specialising in sensors, artificial intelligence, mission systems, software, datalinks, and systems integration received an initial briefing on system architecture and potential industrial roles. The event took place against a backdrop of growing European demand for scalable, interoperable, and mission-ready CCA and UCAV systems.
GA-ASI has already developed an initial derivative of the Gambit series under the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program Increment 1, and the aircraft is undergoing flight testing as the YFQ-42A. It features a low-observable profile, an internal weapons bay, and a semi-autonomous design suited to both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
The autonomy core has been trained for more than five years using the jet-powered MQ-20 Avenger, giving the system significant maturity at this stage. Another focus of the preview was the integration potential at Oberpfaffenhofen, where General Atomics AeroTec Systems provides the infrastructure and expertise needed for complex modification and testing.
“Real threats must be met with real capabilities. Our approach to a European CCA is therefore deliberately pragmatic to meet urgent operational timelines: We combine proven technologies that we have already demonstrated in flight with a European mission system, providing a low-risk, transatlantic path to advanced CCA capabilities,” said Linden P. Blue, CEO of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. “Oberpfaffenhofen offers the technical depth and aviation expertise required for sophisticated integration and adaptation work. Early engagement with European industry is a key step toward structuring potential contributions and laying the groundwork for future cooperation,” said Harald Robl, CEO of General Atomics Europe.
The two companies will continue discussions with industrial and governmental partners in the coming months. Further technical workshops and bilateral meetings are planned.
