The United States Marine Corps (USMC) has selected General Atomics’ YFQ-42 combat drone to participate in tests focused on integrating unmanned aircraft with manned fighter jets under the MUX TACAIR program.
The platform will receive a “digital brain” provided by the USMC and will serve as a surrogate in trials aimed at assessing how so-called Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) can operate in coordination within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) concept.
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The YFQ-42 is already part of the U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) CCA program, where it is currently undergoing flight testing. However, its inclusion in USMC evaluations marks a new step. Until now, the Marines had concentrated autonomy experiments on the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie, which is currently evolving into the MQ-58. The addition of the General Atomics model broadens the scope of analysis and may influence the next stages of the program’s development.
According to the manufacturer, the contract calls for the accelerated development of autonomy for a modular, sensor-rich, software-defined mission package capable of delivering both kinetic and non-kinetic effects in expeditionary operations. The open architecture of the Gambit family — from which the YFQ-42 is derived — was specifically designed to facilitate the integration of various artificial intelligence systems, sensors, and weapons, enabling rapid adaptations as operational requirements evolve.
Although the YFQ-42’s current role is as a test platform, General Atomics sees potential for the model to be considered in future phases of the MUX TACAIR program, particularly in the so-called Increment 2, planned for the next decade. The initiative reinforces the trend that the CCA concept will involve multiple suppliers and distinct technological solutions, with different airframes and digital “brains” operating in an integrated manner alongside manned aircraft.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @GenAtomics_ASI | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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
