This article is based on an official press release from RTX / Collins Aerospace.

Collins Aerospace “Sidekick” Software Successfully Pilots General Atomics CCA Jet

On February 20, 2026, Collins Aerospace, a business of RTX, announced a significant breakthrough in the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. According to the company’s official statement, its “Sidekick” mission automation software successfully piloted the General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) YFQ-42A platform during a recent flight test. This event marks a critical validation of the Air Force’s open systems strategy, demonstrating that mission software from one vendor can effectively operate the airframe of another.

The flight test, which lasted four hours, showcased the ability of the Sidekick software to integrate seamlessly with the YFQ-42A’s flight control systems. While the aircraft flew autonomously, a human operator remained in the loop to manage the mission through high-level commands. The demonstration is part of the broader push to field uncrewed “loyal wingman” jets that can operate alongside fifth- and sixth-generation manned fighters.

This milestone highlights the maturity of the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA), a government-owned standard designed to prevent vendor lock-in. By decoupling the “brain” (autonomy software) from the “body” (airframe), the Air Force aims to accelerate the deployment of new capabilities and foster competition among defense contractors.

Operational Details of the Flight Test

According to the press release, the test flight focused on validating the safe and precise execution of piloting commands generated by the Sidekick software. The mission involved a series of “combat-relevant tasks,” including simulated sensor operations and tactical maneuvering. The successful integration allowed the software to control the aircraft’s flight path and payload systems while adhering to safety constraints.

The YFQ-42A, developed by General Atomics for the CCA Increment 1 program, is a high-performance jet designed for contested environments. The ability of Collins Aerospace’s software to pilot this specific airframe proves that the underlying open architecture standards are functioning as intended. Ryan Bunge, Vice President and General Manager for Strategic Defense Solutions at Collins Aerospace, emphasized the speed of this integration in a statement included in the release:

“The rapid integration of Sidekick onto this platform… highlight[s] the strength and adaptability of Collins’ open systems approach.”

The test also demonstrated the software’s adaptability to human workflows. Collins Aerospace noted that Sidekick is designed to adjust to a pilot’s working style, allowing manned crews to focus on battle management rather than micromanaging the uncrewed aircraft’s flight parameters.

Strategic Implications for the CCA Program

The Collaborative Combat Aircraft program represents a shift in how the U.S. Air-Forces acquires and fields tactical airpower. By separating the development of the airframe from the mission autonomy software, the service intends to upgrade specific components independently, much like installing a new application on a smartphone without replacing the hardware.

This flight test places the General Atomics and Collins Aerospace team in a strong position as the Air Force approaches a production decision for CCA Increment 1, expected in Fiscal Year 2026. The successful demonstration of A-GRA compliance suggests that the industry is capable of meeting the government’s aggressive timelines for fielding these systems.

AirPro News Analysis

The successful flight of the YFQ-42A under the control of Collins Aerospace software is more than a technical achievement; it is a proof of concept for the Pentagon’s “modular open systems approach” (MOSA). Historically, defense programs have been plagued by proprietary systems that make upgrades difficult and costly. This test suggests that the Air Force’s demand for interoperability is finally yielding tangible results in the field.

Furthermore, this milestone intensifies the competitive landscape of the CCA program. With General Atomics and Collins Aerospace demonstrating a functional, cross-vendor integration, pressure mounts on competitors like Anduril Industries and Shield AI to demonstrate similar maturity. As the Fiscal Year 2026 production decision looms, the ability to prove that software and hardware can be mixed and matched reliably will likely be a deciding factor in contract awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the YFQ-42A?
The YFQ-42A is an uncrewed jet prototype developed by General Atomics for the U.S. Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. It is designed to fly alongside manned fighters, carrying sensors or weapons.

What is “Sidekick”?
Sidekick is mission autonomy software developed by Collins Aerospace. It acts as the “brain” of the uncrewed aircraft, making tactical decisions and executing flight maneuvers based on high-level commands from human operators.

Why is this flight test significant?
It is one of the first major public demonstrations of third-party autonomy software piloting a separate vendor’s airframe using the government’s open architecture standards (A-GRA). This proves that the Air Force can avoid vendor lock-in and upgrade systems more rapidly.

Sources: RTX Press Release, General Atomics

Firehawk Aerospace, a defense technology firm specializing in hybrid rocket engines, has announced a significant expansion into Mississippi’s Golden Triangle region. According to an official announcement from the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), the company will invest $16.5 million to establish a manufacturing and integration facility in Crawford, Lowndes County. The project is expected to create 100 new high-tech jobs over the coming years.

The move marks a strategic effort to address critical supply chain bottlenecks in the U.S. defense sector. By acquiring a specialized site formerly used for munitions assembly, Firehawk aims to rapidly scale the production of its proprietary “3D-Ultra” hybrid rocket engines. The company has set an ambitious production target, aiming to manufacture up to 10,000 rockets per month by 2027.

Revitalizing Defense Infrastructure in Lowndes County

The centerpiece of this expansion is the acquisition of a 636-acre site in Crawford, Mississippi. According to project details, this facility was formerly operated by Nammo Talley, a Norwegian-Finnish aerospace group. The site is a DCMA-rated (Defense Contract Management Agency) facility, meaning it already adheres to strict federal standards required for handling explosives and defense articles.

This acquisition allows Firehawk to bypass the lengthy construction and regulatory certification periods typically associated with greenfield defense projects. The infrastructure includes existing assembly buildings, earth-covered bunkers for munitions storage, and integration bays. This “turnkey” status is essential for the company’s timeline, which targets immediate operational ramp-up.

Economic Incentives and Job Creation

The Mississippi Development Authority stated that the project is supported through the MFLEX (Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive) program, alongside assistance from Lowndes County. The 100 projected jobs will span various technical disciplines, including engineering, manufacturing, and rocket system integration.

“Mississippi stood out to us because of its pro-industry leadership, deep talent pool, and commitment to advanced manufacturing… We are designing for throughput measured in thousands per month, not years.”

, Will Edwards, CEO of Firehawk Aerospace

Technological Innovation: The Shift to Hybrid Engines

Firehawk Aerospace distinguishes itself from legacy defense contractors through its focus on hybrid rocket engines. Unlike traditional solid rocket motors, which cannot be throttled or shut down once ignited, hybrid engines utilize a solid fuel and a liquid oxidizer. This combination offers the safety and controllability of liquid engines with the simplicity of solid motors.

The core of Firehawk’s innovation is its “3D-Ultra” technology. Traditional solid fuel grains are cast in molds, a process that limits the complexity of the fuel’s internal geometry and takes significant time to cure. Firehawk utilizes 3D printing to create the fuel grains, allowing for complex internal shapes that enhance burn efficiency and thrust. According to company data, this additive manufacturing approach reduces production time from months to mere days.

Regional Strategic Fit

The decision to locate in the Golden Triangle (comprising Columbus, Starkville, and West Point) leverages a robust existing aerospace ecosystem. The region is home to major industry players such as Airbus Helicopters and Aurora Flight Sciences. Furthermore, the area benefits from specialized workforce development pipelines:

• The Communiversity: A workforce training center managed by East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) that specializes in advanced manufacturing and composites.
• Mississippi State University (MSU): Located nearby in Starkville, MSU hosts the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory and offers strong aerospace engineering programs.

“Lowndes County and the Golden Triangle are proving once again that Mississippi isn’t watching the future take shape; we’re building it.”

, Governor Tate Reeves

AirPro News Analysis

Addressing the Solid Rocket Motor Crisis

The expansion by Firehawk Aerospace arrives at a critical juncture for the U.S. defense industrial base. Industry observers have noted a “solid rocket motor crisis,” where the demand for tactical systems like Javelin, GMLRS, and Stinger missiles has outpaced the production capacity of legacy prime contractors. The consolidation of the sector has left fewer suppliers capable of meeting surge demand.

Firehawk’s technology represents a potential “drop-in” solution. By utilizing hybrid propulsion that can be manufactured rapidly via 3D printing, the company offers a scalable alternative to traditional solid rocket motors. If the company meets its goal of 10,000 rockets per month by 2027, it could significantly alleviate pressure on the supply chain for tactical weapons systems. This move also signals a broader acceptance of hybrid propulsion, once considered experimental, as a mature technology ready for mass deployment in national defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Crawford site?
The 636-acre site was previously a munitions plant for Nammo Talley. Because it is already DCMA-rated and equipped with bunkers and assembly bays, Firehawk can begin operations much faster than if they had to build a new facility from scratch.

How does Firehawk’s technology differ from traditional rockets?
Firehawk uses hybrid engines (solid fuel + liquid oxidizer) rather than purely solid or liquid engines. They 3D-print the solid fuel, which allows for custom internal geometries that improve performance and drastically reduce manufacturing time.

What is the timeline for production?
Operations are expected to commence in the near future, with a stated production goal of ramping up to 10,000 rockets per month by the year 2027.

Sources

• Mississippi Development Authority

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and journalists Sabine Siebold and Mike Stone.

Report: Germany Weighs Additional F-35 Order as European Fighter Program Stalls

Germany is reportedly in early-stage negotiations to acquire a second tranche of U.S.-made F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, a move that could signal a significant pivot in the nation’s long-term defense strategy. According to exclusive reporting by Reuters on February 19, 2026, sources familiar with the matter indicate that Berlin is considering the purchase of more than 35 additional jets as a hedge against the faltering Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.

The potential acquisition comes at a critical moment for European defense cooperation. While the German government has officially denied the existence of concrete plans, the reports suggest growing frustration in Berlin regarding the progress of the joint Franco-German-Spanish FCAS initiative. If confirmed, a new order would deepen the Luftwaffe’s integration with U.S. military technology and potentially undermine France’s vision for European strategic autonomy.

Potential Expansion of the F-35 Fleet

According to the Reuters report, two sources confirmed that Germany is exploring an order that would match or exceed its initial purchase of 35 F-35A Military-Aircraft. In 2022, Berlin signed a contract valued at approximately $10 billion for its first fleet of Lightning IIs, which are intended to replace the aging Tornado fleet for NATO nuclear sharing missions. Those initial jets are scheduled for Delivery starting in 2026, with arrival in Germany expected by 2027.

The sources cited by Reuters suggest that the cost of the additional jets would likely exceed $80 million per airframe. This Investment would represent a multi-billion dollar commitment to American hardware at a time when European leaders have been pushing to bolster their own industrial base.

Official Denials

Despite the claims from insider sources, German officials have publicly rejected the notion of a new procurement deal. A government spokesperson stated there are “no plans” for a further order, and the Ministry of Defense echoed this, asserting that no political decisions have been made. Lockheed Martin, the Manufacturers of the F-35, declined to comment to Reuters, noting only their focus on delivering the aircraft currently under Contracts.

The FCAS Crisis

The primary driver behind this reported strategic shift appears to be the deadlock facing the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Launched in 2017, FCAS was designed to produce a next-generation fighter to replace French Rafales and German Eurofighters by 2040. However, the program has been plagued by industrial infighting between Dassault Aviation and Airbus, as well as deep strategic divergences between Paris and Berlin.

According to reporting by Reuters, the specific operational requirements of the two nations have become a major sticking point. France requires a carrier-capable aircraft that can support its independent nuclear deterrent, while Germany needs a land-based interceptor focused on NATO interoperability.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently highlighted these incompatibilities publicly. Regarding the divergent needs of the two nations, Merz warned:

“If we cannot resolve this, we will not be able to continue.”

, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (via Reuters)

AirPro News Analysis: Strategic Implications

If Germany proceeds with a second F-35 buy, it would likely be interpreted as a vote of no confidence in the FCAS timeline. The F-35 is currently the only aircraft certified to carry the B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs required for Germany’s NATO obligations. Doubling the fleet would secure Germany’s air power capabilities well into the 2060s, reducing the urgency, and perhaps the viability, of the European alternative.

From an industrial perspective, this move could destabilize the Franco-German defense axis. France has historically viewed the FCAS program not just as a procurement project, but as a pillar of European sovereignty. A German pivot toward off-the-shelf American jets would likely strain relations with Paris and could trigger retaliatory shifts in other joint programs, such as the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) tank project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current status of Germany’s F-35 program?
Germany ordered 35 F-35A jets in 2022 to replace its Tornado fleet. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2026.

Why is the FCAS program delayed?
The program faces disputes over workshare between manufacturers (Dassault and Airbus) and conflicting operational requirements. France needs a carrier-based nuclear jet, while Germany requires a land-based aircraft.

Has Germany officially confirmed the new order?
No. The German government and Ministry of Defense have explicitly denied plans for a new order, stating no decision has been made.

Sources

• Reuters