Classification change to US CCA programme could boost General Atomics’ European prospects
Berlin, June 11. A recent US Air Force decision to ease the classification status of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) programme is expected to strengthen General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.’s (GA-ASI) efforts to market the platform to European customers.
Until now, all work related to the CCA programme had been protected under a special access classification, placing it in the same highly restricted category as Boeing’s secretive F-47 fighter programme. While the stringent classification safeguarded sensitive information, it also limited the ability of companies selected for the first phase of the program to discuss details with prospective overseas customers.
Speaking to Aviation Week on the sidelines of the ILA Berlin Air Show, GA-ASI President David Alexander said the company expects the US government to soon grant export authorisation allowing it to share information with selected foreign partners.
“The doors are going to open now,” Alexander said.
The development could prove particularly significant in Europe, where Germany and the Netherlands are among the countries most actively exploring the acquisition of Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
Germany is aiming to field its future CCA capability by 2029, although it has yet to select a platform. Meanwhile, the Netherlands has agreed to participate in the US Air Force’s test and evaluation activities involving the Increment 1 operational prototypes.
The first tranche of the programme includes General Atomics’ YFQ-42 Dark Merlin and Anduril Industries’ YFQ-44 autonomous combat aircraft.
According to Alexander, the revised classification guidance will enable General Atomics to obtain export licenses and provide potential customers with far greater insight into the aircraft and its capabilities.
“We’re glad we have the class guide change, so we can get an export license and share all the information on the platform side,” he said.
The shift is expected to facilitate discussions with allied nations and could accelerate European interest in the US Air Force’s next-generation autonomous combat aircraft programme.
