Wolf Advanced Technology
Trillium Gimbals
Honeywell Aerospace HGuide i700
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

Full-Size Collaborative Combat Aircraft Model Displayed at Dubai Airshow by GA-ASI

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems displays a full-size YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft model in Dubai, highlighting global interest in the new semi-autonomous unmanned fighter jet for rapid, affordable air-to-air operations By Sarah Simpson / 17 Nov 2025
Follow DA

A full-size model of the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) for the U.S. Air Force will be on display November 17−21 at the Dubai Airshow at stand #1280.

The exciting new unmanned fighter jet has captured the attention of the global military aviation community as it continues through flight testing as part of an accelerated development schedule. The YFQ-42A is focused on air-to-air, semi-autonomous operations, and it’s being designed for rapid production, in large quantities, at an affordable price.

“Global interest in CCA and our YFQ-42A is very high,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “We’re excited to have the aircraft and our overall CCA development effort on display at a major international industry event like the Dubai Airshow.”

The YFQ-42A is a derivative of GA-ASI’s Gambit Series of unmanned combat air vehicles. Gambit is made up of multiple CCA variants that can be rapidly reconfigured from a common core, which enables substantial commonality for rapid and affordable production at scale.

Based on the original Gambit 2 concept, the YFQ-42A is designed to complement human-crewed fighters like the F-35 and Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) systems, expanding sensing, weapons capacity, and survivability in contested airspace.

Following the Dubai Airshow, the CCA model will be featured at two other major regional events in early 2026: at DIMDEX January 19−22 in Doha, Qatar; and at The World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 8−12.

To learn more, visit the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc Partner Hub: Innovation Partner Hub
Posted by Sarah Simpson Sarah has led content for Defense Advancement since its launch in 2020. With a deep interest in defense innovation and a background in research and technical copywriting, she has a passion for showcasing how technology directly contributes to protecting and saving lives, presenting new developments in a way that resonates with a highly specialized audience. Connect

More from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc

GA-ASI Honors Small Businesses With New Supplier Quality Recognition Program
GA-ASI Honors Small Businesses With New Supplier Quality Recognition Program

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems launches its Supplier Quality Recognition program, honoring high-performing small business partners for outstanding quality, leadership, and continuous improvement in uncrewed aircraft support

Oct 07, 2026
GA-ASI & U.S. Navy Demonstrate Collaborative Autonomous Mission Planning
GA-ASI & U.S. Navy Demonstrate Collaborative Autonomous Mission Planning

GA-ASI and the U.S. Navy have successfully demonstrated collaborative autonomous mission planning using the MQ-20 Avenger, advancing multi-aircraft coordination and real-time decision-making against complex threats

Oct 06, 2026
GA-ASI & SoftBank Test Aerial Disaster Relief Communications System
GA-ASI & SoftBank Test Aerial Disaster Relief Communications System

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and SoftBank successfully flight test a new airborne communications payload designed to provide emergency cellular relay coverage in disaster-stricken areas

Oct 02, 2026
U.S. Navy Evaluates MQ-9B SeaGuardian as Next-Gen Maritime Force Multiplier
U.S. Navy Evaluates MQ-9B SeaGuardian as Next-Gen Maritime Force Multiplier

The U.S. Navy evaluated GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SeaGuardian at NAS Whidbey Island, showcasing its advanced anti-submarine warfare and maritime patrol capabilities alongside the P-8A Poseidon to senior naval leaders

Oct 01, 2026
FQ-42 Vengeance Delivered to Creech Air Force Base
FQ-42 Vengeance Delivered to Creech Air Force Base

GA-ASI delivers the latest FQ-42 Vengeance to Creech Air Force Base to support continued U.S. Air Force Collaborative Combat Aircraft testing, evaluation and experimentation activities

Sep 22, 2026
GA-ASI & Hanwha Aerospace Validate Short-Field Battlefield Operations for MALE Drones
GA-ASI & Hanwha Aerospace Validate Short-Field Battlefield Operations for MALE Drones

GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace have completed historic flight operations from a simulated battlefield in South Korea, proving the Mojave STOL uncrewed aircraft can land and launch from rough terrain

Sep 21, 2026

THE WEEKLY eBRIEF

The latest defense technology news, straight to your inbox.

Get our weekly roundup of technology developments, new products and industry news.

By subscribing, you agree to receive the weekly DA eBrief newsletter from EchoBlue Ltd. Unsubscribe at any time using the link in every email. See our Privacy Notice.

Advancing Defense Capability Through Strategic Collaboration Defense Advancement works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive defense capabilities forward.