Autonomous Fighters Gain Focus at 2025 International Fighter Conference Rome

The Dawn of a New Air Force: Autonomous Fighters Take Center Stage in Rome

The world of aerial combat is on the cusp of a monumental shift, moving from pilot-centric dogfights to a future defined by artificial intelligence, data fusion, and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T). This evolution is not a distant concept but a present-day reality, brought into sharp focus at the 25th anniversary of the International Fighter Conference in Rome. From November 4-6, 2025, this premier event, supported by the Italian Air-Forces, gathers over 450 senior military leaders and industry experts to map out the future of air superiority. The central theme is clear: the integration of autonomous and semi-autonomous aircraft is no longer a question of ‘if,’ but ‘how soon.’

At the heart of this conversation is General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), a company long recognized for its pioneering work in uncrewed aircraft systems like the Predator® and Reaper® series. Their prominent position at the conference as the event’s only Four-Star Lead Partner underscores a deep global commitment to this autonomous future. It signals a transition from surveillance and reconnaissance Drones to a new class of uncrewed combat jets designed to fly alongside, and in support of, the most advanced piloted fighters. This event serves as a critical platform to showcase the tangible progress being made in developing these next-generation assets.

GA-ASI’s Blueprint for the Future of Air Combat

In Rome, GA-ASI is not just discussing concepts; they are presenting a concrete vision of the future air force. The company is featuring its latest advancements in uncrewed combat jets, with a full-scale model of the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) on display. This aircraft represents a significant leap forward, designed to act as a “loyal wingman” to traditional fighters. Alongside the YFQ-42A, GA-ASI is highlighting the MQ-20 Avenger® and the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station, each platform playing a distinct role in a networked, collaborative combat ecosystem.

The development and deployment of these systems are happening at an accelerated pace. GA-ASI has moved beyond theoretical designs and into active production and flight operations. The company has publicly committed to building and flying a production-representative uncrewed jet fighter for the U.S. Air Force by the summer of 2025, a testament to their rapid development capabilities. This swift timeline challenges the traditionally long development cycles associated with military aviation, aiming to deliver cutting-edge technology to the warfighter faster than ever before.

This rapid progress is built on a foundation of proven technology. The MQ-20 Avenger, which first flew in 2009, has become a crucial test bed for integrating advanced autonomy software. It serves as a mature and reliable platform for validating AI algorithms and control systems from various sources, including the U.S. government and other industry partners. This collaborative approach ensures that the autonomous “brain” of these future fighters is robust, adaptable, and interoperable.

“The YFQ-42A is a revolutionary aircraft, and the fleet is in production and in the air today. This isn’t a ‘wait and see’ moment. We’re flying. We’re delivering. And we’re advancing this future of combat aviation, the same way we have for more than three decades.”, David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI

The Gambit Series: A Modular Approach to Air Power

Underpinning GA-ASI’s strategy is the “Gambit Series,” a family of modular, uncrewed fighters designed for rapid evolution. This innovative approach allows global air forces to adapt their capabilities quickly without being locked into a single, static platform. By creating a common core system with interchangeable mission payloads, GA-ASI aims to provide a cost-effective and flexible solution for maintaining air dominance. The YFQ-42A and XQ-67A are key examples of this philosophy in action, demonstrating how different configurations can be deployed to meet specific mission requirements, from sensing to kinetic strikes.

The concept of Collaborative Combat Aircraft is central to this new paradigm. These uncrewed aircraft are not meant to replace human pilots but to augment them. They are designed to operate as force multipliers, extending the sensor range of a manned fighter, carrying additional munitions, and undertaking high-risk missions in contested airspace. This teaming strategy increases the survivability of human pilots and expands the tactical options available to a mission commander, effectively increasing air combat mass without a proportional increase in cost or personnel.

The industry-wide shift towards this model is undeniable. The conference themes in Rome reflect this trend, with a heavy focus on Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS), sixth-generation fighter platforms, and the critical role of enabling technologies. A new “Technology & Engineering Track” at the event further highlights the importance of innovation in artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, electronic warfare, and space-based assets. These elements are no longer considered separate domains but are being woven together into a single, integrated network of systems that will define the future battlespace.

Conclusion: A New Era of Aerial Warfare is Here

GA-ASI’s significant presence at the International Fighter Conference is more than a corporate showcase; it is a clear indicator of a fundamental transformation in Military-Aircraft. The technologies on display, from the YFQ-42A CCA to the battle-tested MQ-20 Avenger, demonstrate that the era of autonomous combat is not a far-off vision but an unfolding reality. The focus has shifted from remotely piloted drones to intelligent, collaborative platforms that can operate with a high degree of autonomy alongside their human counterparts.

As nations look to develop their next-generation air forces, the principles of Manned-Unmanned Teaming, rapid and modular development, and AI integration are becoming the new cornerstones of air power strategy. The discussions and demonstrations in Rome will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of military aviation for years to come, accelerating the transition towards a smarter, more networked, and more resilient global air force. The future of the fighter jet is collaborative, autonomous, and it is arriving now.

FAQ

Question: What is the International Fighter Conference?
Answer: It is a premier global event for the combat aviation community, bringing together senior military leaders, government officials, and industry experts to discuss the future of air superiority. The 2025 conference in Rome marks its 25th anniversary.

Question: What is a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA)?
Answer: A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, also known as a “loyal wingman,” is an uncrewed aircraft designed to operate alongside manned fighter jets. Its purpose is to augment the capabilities of the manned aircraft by extending sensor range, carrying additional weapons, and performing high-risk missions.

Question: What is General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) showcasing in Rome?
Answer: GA-ASI is featuring its latest uncrewed combat jets, including a full-scale model of the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), the MQ-20 Avenger®, and the XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station.

Sources

• ga.com