US Navy begins developing new fighter tactics

• These developments underscore the commitment of the RAAF
• The potential applications of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) extend beyond just tactical fighters
• Looking to the future, the lineup of CCA-enabled aircraft is anticipated to expand significantly.

While the deployment of an operational autonomous fighter aircraft may still be several years away, the United States Navy (USN) is making substantial progress in the development of new tactics that incorporate these advanced systems. On January 5, the Naval Air Warfare Centre announced a noteworthy achievement: the successful digital integration of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) with Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter jets within the sophisticated and advanced virtual test range known as the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE).

The JSE was developed as a fundamental component of the F-35 acquisition program, functioning as a comprehensive network of high-fidelity flight simulators. This environment allows operators to thoroughly assess and test the F-35’s array of classified sensors, advanced avionics, and mission systems under realistic combat scenarios, thereby mitigating risks associated with exposing sensitive operational data.

It is vital to note that the activation of these classified systems during open-air exercises introduces significant risks. The potential exposure of electronic emissions could be exploited by foreign adversaries, allowing them to intercept and analyse crucial information regarding the F-35's operational capabilities and technological limitations. Consequently, the US Navy remains focused on the careful transition of these tactics from simulation to real-world combat scenarios, ensuring the modernisation of its air combat operations is both effective and secure.

F-35 flight simulator Joint Simulation Environment

The Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) serves as a highly secure and advanced platform that enables fighter pilots to rigorously test new tactics and classified combat systems without the inherent risks associated with real-world observation from potential adversaries. The U.S. Navy (USN) is strategically leveraging the JSE’s sophisticated modelling and simulation capabilities to formulate innovative tactics and operational concepts aimed at seamlessly integrating uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) with its conventional fighter jets.

“Modern warfare demands more agility and adaptability from our aviators than ever before,” remarked Rear Admiral Todd Evans, commander of the Naval Air Warfare Centre’s Aircraft Division. “This milestone exemplifies the profound impact the Joint Simulation Environment has in equipping our pilots with the advanced tactics essential for achieving victory in future battles.”

During the comprehensive exercises conducted within the JSE, F-35 pilots commanded multiple simulated CCAs while simultaneously piloting their own aircraft. Utilising touchscreen tablets, these aviators issued real-time commands to the autonomous drones, effectively coordinating multi-vehicle operations to engage and neutralise simulated threats employing guided missile systems. This innovative approach not only enhances situational awareness but also streamlines command and control within complex combat scenarios.

The U.S. Navy's foray into CCA experimentation aligns with its broader agenda to develop its inaugural uncrewed fighter. In September 2025, the Navy took a significant step forward by issuing initial development contracts to several prominent U.S. defence manufacturers. These contracts are intended to fund early-stage designs for a semi-autonomous tactical jet capable of deploying from the Navy’s aircraft carriers. The firms selected for this initiative include industry leaders such as Anduril Industries, Boeing, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, and Northrop Grumman.

Notably, Anduril, General Atomics, and Northrop are concurrently engaged in similar endeavours to develop land-based CCAs for the U.S. Air Force (USAF), reflecting a collaborative and cross-service approach to advancing battlefield automation. Simultaneously, Boeing is working in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to create the MQ-28A Ghost Bat, a CCA specifically designed for Australian operational requirements. Both the Australian and USAF programs have achieved significant milestones, advancing into initial flight testing phases, with procurement decisions on the horizon.

Looking ahead, the U.S. Navy has articulated its vision for future carrier air wings, which may incorporate up to 60% unmanned platforms. This ambitious shift towards automated and uncrewed systems signifies a transformative evolution in naval aviation, reinforcing the U.S. military’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority in the face of evolving global threats.

US Marines XQ-58A flight test USMC

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) has successfully validated the operational synergy between the F-35 Lightning II and autonomous aircraft, specifically the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie. On January 8, the USMC officially announced its selection of a variant of the XQ-58 as its inaugural Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). This specialised model will incorporate an advanced suite of mission systems and sophisticated combat sensors tailored and integrated by Northrop Grumman, further enhancing its operational capabilities.

Both the USMC and U.S. Air Force (USAF) have employed the XQ-58 as a foundational platform to develop and test the critical onboard control systems necessary for seamless integration of CCAs with traditional fighter jets. Notably, various comprehensive training exercises have demonstrated the Valkyrie's ability to operate cohesively alongside multiple platforms, including the Marine Corps’ F-35B Lightning II, the Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle, and the Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon, in live flight scenarios. These exercises have not only showcased the Valkyrie's unmanned capabilities but also provided valuable data on multi-domain operations.

Looking to the future, the lineup of CCA-enabled aircraft is anticipated to expand significantly. The U.S. Navy (USN) has announced strategic plans to enhance the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE), a sophisticated testing platform designed for high-fidelity simulations, to accommodate the integration of its key aircraft, including the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler electronic attack jet. This expansion, set for execution throughout 2026 and 2027, is an integral part of the Navy's broader initiative to modernise its air combat capabilities and leverage advanced unmanned systems in a rapidly evolving warfare landscape.

Ghost Bat with Super Hornet

In December 2025, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully integrating its developmental Boeing MQ-28A Ghost Bat autonomous jet with the F/A-18F Super Hornet fighters, which are pivotal to the operational capabilities of the U.S. Navy's tactical aviation fleet. This integration is a testament to the evolving landscape of military aviation, where manned and unmanned systems work in concert to enhance combat effectiveness and situational awareness.

During an extensive exercise conducted in December, one of the RAAF's F/A-18F Super Hornets demonstrated its capability to collaborate seamlessly with the MQ-28A. In this scenario, the Super Hornet effectively transmitted precise targeting data to the autonomous drone, which subsequently engaged and neutralised the designated target with a high-precision guided missile strike. This successful mission not only validates the interoperability of advanced aircraft systems but also showcases the potential of CCAs to enhance strike capabilities during complex combat operations.

Furthermore, the potential applications of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) extend beyond just tactical fighters. Support aircraft, such as Northrop's E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, which is renowned for its robust airborne early warning and control functions, are also expected to engage in similar cooperative missions with CCAs. The E-2D plays a critical role in providing situational awareness and command and control support to U.S. Navy carrier air wings. Its upcoming integration into the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) will facilitate advanced scenarios that combine the strengths of both crewed and uncrewed systems, paving the way for a new paradigm in collaborative air operations.

These developments underscore the commitment of the RAAF and allied forces to integrate cutting-edge technology into their operational frameworks, ensuring they maintain a strategic edge in future conflict scenarios. The fusion of advanced manned-unmanned partnerships will redefine the effectiveness and resilience of modern military campaigns.