Defense & Military
Netherlands Joins US Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program as First European Partner
The Netherlands becomes the first European nation to join the USAF’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, enhancing unmanned air systems and defense cooperation.
Netherlands Joins US Initiative on Unmanned Air Systems, Becoming First European Partner
In a significant move for transatlantic defense cooperation, the Netherlands has officially become the first European nation to join the United States Air Force’s (USAF) Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. This strategic partnership, formalized on October 16, 2025, signals a major step forward in the evolution of air power, focusing on the integration of unmanned autonomous aircraft with manned fighter jets. The decision places the Netherlands at the forefront of developing next-generation aerial warfare capabilities, aiming to create a more potent and resilient air force for future challenges.
The agreement was solidified when Dutch State Secretary for Defence, Gijs Tuinman, signed a letter of intent at the Netherlands embassy in Washington D.C. This wasn’t merely a procurement deal; it represents a deep-seated commitment to long-term industrial and technological cooperation. The CCA initiative is designed to develop “loyal wingmen”, advanced UAV, that will fly alongside fighters like the F-35, acting as force multipliers. These autonomous platforms are intended to expand sensor range, carry additional munitions, and undertake high-risk missions, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and survivability of human pilots.
This collaboration aligns directly with the Netherlands’ Defence Strategy for Industry and Innovation, which was launched in April 2025. By embedding Dutch knowledge institutes and companies within the American research and development framework, the partnership aims to bolster the nation’s defense industrial base. It reflects a broader shift in military doctrine, where the future of air dominance is seen not just in the quality of individual aircraft, but in a networked “system-of-systems” that leverages the power of human-machine teaming.
The New Frontier: Deconstructing the CCA Initiative
The Collaborative Combat Aircraft program is a cornerstone of the USAF’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) strategy. It moves beyond traditional drone operations to envision a future where autonomous platforms are integral members of a combat team. These aren’t remotely piloted aircraft in the conventional sense; they are designed with a high degree of autonomy, enabled by AI and machine learning, to operate in complex and contested environments with minimal input from a human pilot.
What are Collaborative Combat Aircraft?
At its core, the CCA concept is about augmenting the capabilities of manned fighter aircraft. We can think of them as loyal wingmen that extend the pilot’s reach and tactical options. Their primary functions are to increase the combat mass of an air fleet, provide supplementary sensor data from different vantage points, and engage targets or perform electronic warfare tasks. This allows the manned fighter, such as the F-35, to maintain a more strategic, command-and-control role while the CCAs press into more dangerous areas.
This approach offers several distinct advantages. By offloading high-risk tasks to unmanned platforms, the program aims to significantly improve pilot survivability. Furthermore, CCAs are designed to be produced faster and at a lower cost than their manned counterparts. This “affordable mass” is critical in potential conflicts where the sheer number of assets can be as important as their individual sophistication. The USAF has stated a goal of fielding at least 1,000 of these unmanned aircraft to work in concert with its advanced fighter fleet.
The technological leap lies in the human-machine teaming aspect. Pilots will not be “flying” the CCAs with a joystick and screen; instead, they will be directing them through high-level commands, tasking them to perform specific missions like surveillance, escort, or attack. This requires a robust and secure data link, as well as advanced AI that can interpret commands and execute complex behaviors in a dynamic battlespace, all while collaborating with other manned and unmanned systems.
The U.S. Air Force is leaning into a new chapter of aerial warfare. It means collaborative combat aircraft, it means human-machine teaming.
The Key Players and Progress
The CCA program has moved from concept to reality with remarkable speed. In April 2024, the USAF selected two industry leaders, Anduril and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), to design, build, and test production-representative prototypes. These aircraft have received official designations, highlighting their formal integration into the Air Force’s development pipeline: the YFQ-42A from General Atomics and the YFQ-44A from Anduril.
The rapid progress was underscored by U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin, who noted that prototypes that were “only on paper less than a couple of years ago” would be ready to fly. This accelerated timeline demonstrates a clear sense of urgency and a commitment to fielding this transformative capability quickly. The designation of these prototypes with the “YFQ” prefix is historically significant, as it marks the first time an unmanned collaborative aircraft has been given a fighter-series classification.
The current development phase represents “Increment 1” of the CCA program, with a final production decision expected in fiscal year 2026. However, the USAF is already planning for future increments. This iterative approach will allow for the integration of new technologies and capabilities over time. By joining the program at this relatively early stage, the Netherlands is positioned not only to acquire the technology but also to help shape its future development and ensure its interoperability with NATO systems.
More Than Just Drones: A Strategic Dutch Investment
The Netherlands’ decision to join the CCA program is a multi-faceted strategic investment that extends far beyond the acquisition of new military hardware. It is a calculated move to enhance national security, stimulate economic and technological growth, and solidify its role as a key innovator within the transatlantic alliance. This partnership is about co-development and future-proofing the nation’s defense capabilities in an era of rapid technological change.
Strengthening the Royal Netherlands Air Force
For the Royal Netherlands Air Force, the integration of CCAs with its F-35 fleet promises a substantial leap in combat effectiveness. The F-35 is already a powerful sensor and data-fusion platform, but pairing it with autonomous wingmen will amplify its strengths exponentially. CCAs can fly ahead to scout, use their own sensors to build a more comprehensive picture of the battlespace, and carry a wider variety of weapons, freeing the F-35 to orchestrate the engagement from a safer distance.
This new operational paradigm directly addresses the challenges of modern anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments, where penetrating enemy airspace is increasingly perilous. By sending unmanned systems into the most heavily defended zones, the air force can achieve its objectives while minimizing risk to its most valuable asset: its pilots. The cost-benefit analysis is also compelling; the ability to generate a larger, more distributed, and more expendable force provides tactical flexibility that would be prohibitively expensive to achieve with manned aircraft alone.
Beyond direct combat roles, this partnership ensures that the Netherlands remains at the cutting edge of air power doctrine. As human-machine teaming becomes the new standard, early adoption and integration provide invaluable experience for pilots, tacticians, and support personnel. It allows the air force to develop the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to maximize the potential of this new “system-of-systems” approach to warfare.
Fostering Industrial and Technological Growth
A central pillar of this agreement is the long-term benefit to the Dutch defense and technology sectors. The letter of intent is the first step toward integrating Dutch companies and research institutions into the CCA’s vast R&D ecosystem. This collaboration is a key objective of the Netherlands’ Defence Strategy for Industry and Innovation, aiming to create a self-sustaining cycle of innovation, production, and expertise within the country.
The Partnerships is not limited to the high-end CCA program. In a parallel initiative, the Netherlands Defence organization is working with General Atomics to co-develop smaller unmanned systems for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Critically, this agreement includes provisions for production by a Dutch company, VDL, with the first systems expected to be in service by the following year. This provides a tangible, near-term example of the industrial benefits the government aims to secure.
By participating in the development of these advanced systems, the Dutch industrial base gains access to cutting-edge technologies in areas like artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced manufacturing, and secure communications. This knowledge transfer can spur innovation across multiple sectors, enhancing the Netherlands’ competitiveness on the global stage and ensuring a greater degree of technological sovereignty in critical defense areas.
Conclusion: Charting a New Course in Air Power
The Netherlands’ entry into the U.S. Collaborative Combat Aircraft program is a landmark event. It marks a decisive step into the future of aerial warfare, one defined by the seamless integration of human and machine capabilities. As the first European partner, the Netherlands has secured a unique position to influence and benefit from one of the most ambitious military technology programs of our time. This is more than an alliance; it is a forward-looking Investments in national security, industrial strength, and technological leadership.
Looking ahead, this partnership will likely serve as a model for future transatlantic defense cooperation. As autonomous systems become more prevalent, interoperability and shared development will be crucial for maintaining a cohesive and effective NATO force. The lessons learned from integrating Dutch industry and military doctrine into the CCA program will inform how other allies approach the coming revolution in air power, ensuring that the alliance as a whole is prepared for the complex security challenges of tomorrow.
FAQ
Question: What is the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program?
Answer: The CCA program is a U.S. Air Force initiative to develop autonomous, unmanned aircraft designed to fly alongside manned fighter jets like the F-35. These “loyal wingmen” act as force multipliers by carrying extra sensors and weapons and performing high-risk missions.
Question: Why did the Netherlands join the CCA program?
Answer: The Netherlands joined to enhance the capabilities of its F-35 fleet, strengthen its domestic defense industry through technological cooperation, and take a leading role in the future of unmanned aerial systems and human-machine teaming in air combat.
Question: Who are the main companies developing the CCAs for the U.S. Air Force?
Answer: For the first phase of the program, the U.S. Air Force selected Anduril and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to design, manufacture, and test production-representative aircraft.
Sources
Photo Credit: Netherlands Ministry of Defence
Defense & Military
SNC and Skyryse Partner to Retrofit Fleets With SkyOS Automation
SNC and Skyryse will integrate SkyOS fly-by-wire automation into existing defense and commercial aircraft fleets via FAA ODA certification.
Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) and aviation technology company Skyryse have formed a collaboration to integrate software-defined flight automation into existing military and commercial aircraft fleets.
Announced on October 27, 2026, the partnership aims to retrofit legacy airframes with Skyryse’s SkyOS system, enabling optionally piloted operations and reduced crew workload without the capital expenditure required to procure new aircraft. The initial focus of the collaboration will target defense platforms.
Certification and integration strategy
The collaboration pairs Skyryse’s flight control technology with SNC’s established aircraft modification and certification infrastructure. A key component of the partnership involves 3S Engineering and Certification, a wholly owned SNC subsidiary based in Wichita, Kansas.
The subsidiary holds a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Organization Designation Authorization (ODA). This status grants the company the authority to issue Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and certify equipment installations, providing a direct regulatory pathway for integrating SkyOS into operational fleets.
SNC Executive Vice President Jon Piatt noted the practical advantages of the approach. “Modernizing a fleet doesn’t always mean buying new aircraft,” Piatt said in a press release.
Skyryse Founder and CEO Mark Groden emphasized the speed of retrofitting compared to clean-sheet aircraft development.
“The fastest way to modernize a fleet is to upgrade the aircraft already in it, and we’ve shown on the Black Hawk that SkyOS can do that in months, not years. SNC’s certification and integration expertise gives us the path to bring a new level of automation and capability to existing fleets at scale,” Groden said.
The UH-60 Black Hawk proof of concept
The foundation for the SNC partnership stems from a late 2025 technology demonstration. On December 22, 2025, Skyryse achieved the first flight of a UH-60 Black Hawk equipped with the SkyOS system.
The integration process for the Black Hawk was completed in 91 days. During the demonstration, the system executed automated pickup, hover, and setdown maneuvers, validating the aircraft-agnostic design of the software.
SkyOS replaces traditional mechanical flight control linkages with a triply redundant fly-by-wire system. The interface utilizes a four-axis joystick and touchscreen displays, designed to simplify pilot inputs and manage complex flight envelopes automatically.
“SNC has spent more than 60 years modifying and sustaining aircraft for demanding missions,” Piatt said. “Pairing that experience with SkyOS gives us a way to explore new levels of automation that can reduce operator workload, support more consistent decision-making and help crews focus on the mission.”
Expanding partnerships in the automation sector
The SNC agreement follows a series of strategic moves by Skyryse to position its technology across both commercial and defense markets. Founded in 2016 and based in El Segundo, California, the company initially focused on the civil sector, developing the Skyryse One, a proprietary aircraft based on the Robinson R66 platform.
In recent weeks, Skyryse has rapidly expanded its defense and unmanned applications. On September 23, 2026, the company announced a partnership with BAE Systems Australia to evaluate integrating SkyOS with BAE’s Vehicle Management System (VMS) for autonomous flight applications.
The following day, on September 24, 2026, Skyryse formalized an agreement with Robinson Helicopter Company to develop a Group 4 unmanned aircraft system (UAV) for defense applications, utilizing the R66 airframe powered by SkyOS.
SNC, founded in 1963 and operating as a privately owned mid-tier aerospace and defense contractor, brings the scale required to transition these technologies from prototypes to fielded military assets. The defense and commercial aviation sectors are increasingly looking toward optionally piloted and autonomous flight systems to extend the operational life of legacy airframes.
AirPro News analysis
The defense aviation sector is currently navigating a tension between the desire for advanced autonomous capabilities and the reality of constrained procurement budgets. By focusing on retrofitting existing platforms like the UH-60 Black Hawk, SNC and Skyryse are targeting a lucrative middle ground. This approach extends the operational relevance of legacy airframes while introducing optionally piloted capabilities that modern combat doctrines increasingly demand.
The most critical element of this collaboration is SNC’s ODA status through its 3S Engineering subsidiary. In aviation technology, the bottleneck is rarely the software itself; it is the certification pathway. By pairing a nimble aviation startup with an established defense contractor that holds STC authority, the partnership bypasses the traditional regulatory friction that often delays the fielding of novel flight control systems.
Photo Credit: Skyryse
Defense & Military
Volatus Aerospace Completes AISPECO Acquisition for $10.5M
Volatus Aerospace finalizes its $10.5M acquisition of Lithuanian sensor developer AISPECO UAB, gaining an EU and NATO manufacturing base.
Volatus Aerospace Inc. (TSX: FLT) has finalized its acquisition of Lithuanian sensor and software developer AISPECO UAB, securing a direct manufacturing foothold in the European Union and NATO.
The transaction, announced in a press release on October 28, 2026, vertically integrates AISPECO’s proprietary airborne sensor platforms and mission software into Volatus’ existing uncrewed and piloted aircraft operations. The deal carries a base transaction value of $10.5 million, with an additional $2.5 million in contingent earnouts tied to three-year performance milestones.
Financial structure and milestone targets
The completion of the acquisition follows an initial agreement announced on October 14, 2026. The $10.5 million base consideration consists of $3.0 million in cash, the issuance of 17,434,193 Volatus common shares at a deemed price of C$0.5813 per share, and the granting of 1,859,804 Restricted Share Units (RSUs).
An additional $2.5 million in contingent consideration may be paid to AISPECO between October 2026 and October 2029. These earnouts are payable in cash or shares and depend on the achievement of specified financial, commercial, and product-development milestones over the three-year period. While some financial aggregators have characterized the transaction as a $13 million deal, official breakdowns confirm this higher figure is only reached if all future performance targets are met.
The acquisition also marks a successful exit for venture firm Superhero Capital. The backer had previously invested EUR 2.5 million in AISPECO across funding rounds in 2022 and 2024.
Integrating sensor technology with aircraft operations
AISPECO develops and manufactures advanced geospatial systems designed for both fixed-wing aircraft and Helicopters. The company’s product portfolio includes HELIUX modular sensor pods, the FOCUS AI-guided gimbal, CORE electronics, and ROBINCOP flight-management software. The platform is designed to support multiple sensor types and currently holds certification for installation on more than 20 different aircraft types, with two European patent applications pending.
Prior to the acquisition, AISPECO had sold approximately 50 complete systems to customers across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. These technologies are primarily utilized for the inspection of power grids, gas pipelines, and transport infrastructure, alongside applications in forest inventory, urban mapping, defence, and border surveillance.
Volatus Aerospace CEO Glen Lynch stated that the acquisition brings the company closer to delivering a complete, end-to-end aerial intelligence ecosystem.
“By integrating AISPECO’s proprietary sensors and software with our aircraft platforms and operational capabilities, we can accelerate innovation, strengthen our technology base and deliver more comprehensive solutions to defence, industrial and commercial customers worldwide,” Lynch said.
Expanding European defence and commercial footprint
Headquartered in Mirabel, Québec, Volatus Aerospace operates an Operations Control Centre (OCC) for remote and autonomous flights and manufactures Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), including the Condor XL heavy-lift cargo drone. The company has historically focused on delivering intelligence and cargo solutions through both piloted and remotely piloted aircraft systems.
Founded in 2020 and based in Vilnius, Lithuania, AISPECO brings rapid financial growth to the combined entity. The Lithuanian firm generated C$5.72 million in fiscal 2025 revenue, a figure that more than doubled its fiscal 2024 revenue.
The integration of AISPECO provides Volatus with a direct engineering and manufacturing base in a NATO and European Union member country. This European presence complements the company’s existing Canadian manufacturing operations and is intended to support broader opportunities in government and allied defence markets.
AirPro News analysis
We view the acquisition of AISPECO as a structural shift for Volatus Aerospace, transitioning the company from an operator and distributor of aircraft systems into a vertically integrated technology provider. By bringing sensor payload and mission software development in-house, Volatus captures a larger share of the value chain in the aerial intelligence market. Securing a manufacturing base in Lithuania also provides a distinct strategic advantage for European defence procurement, where domestic sourcing requirements within NATO and the European Union increasingly dictate contract awards.
Photo Credit: Volatus Aerospace
Defense & Military
Bombardier and BAE Systems Sign MOU for Combat Air Programs
Bombardier and BAE Systems signed an MOU on Oct 28, 2026, to explore next-generation combat air collaboration.
Bombardier and BAE Systems have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore joint development of industrial and technology capabilities for next-generation combat air programs.
Announced in a press release on October 28, 2026, the bilateral agreement positions the Canadian aerospace manufacturer to integrate its engineering and manufacturing footprint into allied military aviation requirements. The partnership aligns with Canada’s broader defense strategy, coming three months after the country formally engaged with international sixth-generation fighter development efforts.
Strategic framework and capability exploration
The MOU establishes an exploratory framework to identify practical areas of cooperation aligned with future capability requirements and government priorities. Rather than a commitment to a specific aircraft program, the agreement serves to connect Bombardier’s specialized supplier ecosystems with BAE Systems’ combat air expertise.
Stephen McCullough, Executive Vice President of Engineering, Product Development and Bombardier Defense, stated that the company is positioned to develop the talent required for programs carrying a generational impact on the defense industry.
“This MOU with BAE Systems provides a clear framework to explore how these capabilities can support next-generation defence programs, while strengthening industrial capacity, high-value jobs and long-term aerospace leadership,” McCullough said.
Simon Barnes, Group Managing Director of BAE Systems Air, noted the opportunity to support the strategic aims of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy through the collaboration.
“BAE Systems brings decades of combat air experience spanning aircraft design, systems integration, manufacturing and support. This agreement marks an important step in our ambition to strengthen international partnerships that support the future of combat air,” Barnes said.
Canada’s evolving role in next-generation air combat
The partnership materializes as Canada deepens its involvement in international air combat initiatives. On July 21, 2026, the Department of National Defence announced that Canada had joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as its first observer nation.
GCAP is a multinational initiative led by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet. Observer status allows the Canadian government to assess potential future participation and gain insight into the program’s governance and industrial framework. Crucially, the designation enables the identification of opportunities for domestic companies without requiring an immediate financial commitment from the state.
The bilateral agreement positions Bombardier to capture future procurement cycles as Canada evaluates its long-term role in next-generation air combat initiatives.
Industrial positioning and defense adaptation
Bombardier primarily designs, builds, and maintains the Global and Challenger families of business jets. The company reports a global operating fleet of over 5,300 aircraft, supported by 10 service facilities across six countries.
The manufacturer’s specialized division, Bombardier Defense, focuses on adapting these civilian airframes for military and government missions. The unit emphasizes reliability, performance, and adaptability for specialized operations. By partnering with BAE Systems, Bombardier seeks to expand its defense footprint beyond modified business jets and into the broader combat air supply chain.
BAE Systems operates as one of the primary industrial partners in GCAP, working alongside Italy’s Leonardo and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The British aerospace and defense company brings extensive experience in systems integration and military aircraft manufacturing to the exploratory partnership with Bombardier.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a calculated positioning move by Bombardier to secure high-value engineering work within the lucrative sixth-generation fighter ecosystem. While Bombardier is not a traditional combat aircraft prime contractor, modern air combat programs rely heavily on distributed systems, advanced materials, and specialized sensor integration. By partnering with a Tier 1 prime like BAE Systems, Bombardier can leverage its existing aerospace engineering workforce and supply chain to capture defense revenue streams without the prohibitive cost of developing clean-sheet military airframes.
This industrial alignment also provides the Canadian government with tangible domestic economic benefits as it evaluates deeper participation in GCAP. Securing a role for a major domestic aerospace employer like Bombardier makes the political case for future Canadian financial investment in GCAP significantly stronger.
Photo Credit: BAE Systems
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