The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has selected General Atomics’ YFQ-42 combat drone to participate in tests validating the integration of unmanned aircraft and manned combat aircraft as part of the MUX TACAIR program.
The aircraft is equipped with a “digital brain” provided by the USMC and will be used as a replacement test aircraft in tests to evaluate how so-called Cooperative Combat Aircraft (CCA) can operate together under the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) initiative.
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The YFQ-42 is already part of the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) CCA program and is currently in the flight test phase. This time, joining the USMC evaluation is a new step. Until now, the Marine Corps has focused its autonomy experiments primarily on the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie. The aircraft is currently being developed into the MQ-58. The addition of the General Atomics model expands the breadth of analysis and may have an impact on future development stages.
According to the manufacturer, the deal will accelerate the development of autonomous capabilities for sensor-rich, software-defined, modular mission packages. This package provides the ability to perform both kinetic and non-kinetic effects in expeditionary operations. The Gambit family’s open architecture, which underpins YFQ-42, is designed to facilitate the integration of a variety of AI systems, sensors, and weaponry, and enable rapid adaptation as operational requirements change.
For now, the YFQ-42 serves only as a test platform, but General Atomics believes it may be considered for future MUX TACAIR programs, including an “Increment 2” phase looking into the next decade. This move once again shows the trend of multiple suppliers with different aircraft structures and “digital brains” becoming involved in the CCA concept for integrated operation with manned aircraft.
source:The War Zone | Photo: X @GenAtomics_ASI | This content is created with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff.
GA-ASI was selected by the U.S. Marine Corps for evaluation in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft CCA program.
This selection initiates the integration of a Marine Corps mission kit into the #YFQ42A and the rapid development on of… pic.twitter.com/7EMfuRgmuQ
— General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) (@GenAtomics_ASI) February 10, 2026
