General Atomics has revealed the official name of its YFQ-42A combat drone: Dark Merlin. The model was selected by the United States Air Force for the first phase of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, which envisages the use of unmanned aircraft as “loyal wings” of manned fighters.
Dark Merlin is one of two projects chosen for development and flight testing in this initial stage.
According to the company, the name refers to the merlin falcon, a small and aggressive bird known for surprise attacks and group activity. The inspiration also speaks to the idea of advanced technology associated with “magic”, in allusion to the character Merlin from Arthurian legends and the book Profiles of the Future, published in 1962. For the manufacturer, the name translates the concept of a fast, agile aerial system designed for semi-autonomous modern combat.
The new nickname helps differentiate the model among the program’s technical designations. The other competitor in the first phase is the YFQ-44A, developed by Anduril Industries and known as Fury. Both are undergoing flight tests, while the decision on an eventual large-scale acquisition will still be made by the Air Force.
+Macushla reveals Shadowfax with SAURON tower and bets on modular military robotics
Based on the Gambit modular family, the Dark Merlin has already entered production even before the final purchasing decision. Furthermore, the United States Marine Corps announced that it will use the drone as a test platform in its own CCA program, a move that could pave the way for future operational acquisitions of the new “drone fighter”.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: @GenAtomics_ASI | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Taking inspiration from a nimble predator, GA-ASI announces #YFQ42A Dark Merlin.
Read the news: https://t.co/Bt74bVOGRR#DarkMerlinUAS #UCAV pic.twitter.com/nhvBRtUn5Y
— General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) (@GenAtomics_ASI) February 23, 2026
