ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) --

In a major step toward a new era of airpower, the Department of the Air Force reached a key development milestone in its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, with one of its prototype platforms taking flight in less than two years from program launch — signaling a paradigm shift in the way the Air Force acquires new weapon systems.

The aircraft, designated YFQ-42A and developed in partnership with General Atomics, flew at a California test location, contributing valuable data to continued evaluations of platform airworthiness, flight autonomy and mission system integration. This supports the Department’s broader initiative to field large quantities of modular, affordable, and operationally relevant uncrewed aircraft designed to fly alongside crewed fifth and sixth-generation aircraft.

“This milestone showcases what’s possible when innovative acquisition meets motivated industry,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink. “In record time, CCA went from concept to flight — proving we can deliver combat capability at speed when we clear barriers and align around the warfighter.”

CCA is a key component of the Next Generation Air Dominance Family of Systems and reflects a new model for software-defined, modular airpower. The program is structured to leverage development from multiple vendor development solutions, reduce risk through competition, and integrate open-system architectures that allow the continuous iteration of autonomy and mission systems capabilities and delivery of enhanced capability at the speed of relevance.

“This is More Air Force in action,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin. “We’re not just moving fast — we’re learning fast. CCA will help us rethink the battlespace, extend reach, flexibility and lethality in combat operations, and optimize warfighter performance through human-machine teaming.”
An aircraft takes off from a runway.

A YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft takes off during flight testing at a California test location. The aircraft was developed in partnership with General Atomics as part of the Air Force’s effort to accelerate delivery of affordable, semi-autonomous aircraft.

To deliver CCA to the warfighter with unprecedented speed, the program is executing a multi-faceted learning campaign. This includes rigorous vendor-led developmental testing, independent evaluations at Edwards Air Force Base, California, and operational assessments by the Experimental Operations Unit at Nellis AFB, Nevada. This integrated approach ensures the force is prepared to seamlessly field and employ this capability-enhancing readiness and enabling rapid transition of combat power upon delivery of the first production aircraft.

The department previously selected Anduril Industries and General Atomics to develop production-representative prototypes under the CCA program. A competitive Increment 1 production decision is expected in fiscal year 2026.
(Courtesy photos)

A U.S. Marine Corps heavy-lift Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopter with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461, Marine Aircraft Group 29, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, off-loads a F-35B Lightning II after a long-range external lift operation at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Aug. 27, 2025. The F-35B Lighting II aircraft, known as BF-1, was the first F-35B Lightning II variant ever built, ushering in a new era for Marine Corps Aviation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Renaud)

U.S. Marines with Marine Corp Air Station Beaufort prepare the F-35B Lightning II aircraft known as BF-1 to be towed to its static display position at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, Aug. 27, 2025. The F-35B Lighting II aircraft, known as BF-1, was the first F-35B Lightning II variant ever built, ushering in a new era for Marine Corps Aviation. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Isabella Renaud)

PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 26, 2025) An EA-18G Growler, attached to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln, flagship of Carrier Strike Group Three, is underway conducting routine training operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training to ensure the readiness necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Valerie Morrison)

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform an aerial demonstration over Rickenbacker International Airport during the Columbus Air Show, Aug. 24, 2025. This year’s event featured more than 20 military and civilian planes, including a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 121st Air Refueling Wing, which served as the base of operations for military aircraft participating in the show. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Mikayla Gibbs)

The Osprey MK-III waits to take off Aug. 15, 2025 at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The unmanned aerial system made its first flight test with a third-party developer’s alternative navigation software connected. The testing examines the feasibility of providing an aircraft or weapon with its own internal GPS estimation tools instead of using external sources. (U.S. Air Force photos by Samuel King Jr.)


An F-15E Strike Eagle takes-off for a training sortie at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Aug. 22, 2025. The mission generation supported a Commander Inspection Program for the Generate, Employ and Sustain exercise, designed to prepare Airmen for deployment and global fighter aircraft operations in contested environments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Alexandre Montes)

Executing Operation NOBLE DEFENDER, North American Aerospace Defense Command F-15 fighter aircraft from the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 104th Fighter Wing follow behind a Pennsylvania Air National Guard KC-135 Stratotanker from the 171st Air Refueling Wing during Global Guardian, Aug. 22, 2025. Global Guardian is an opportunity for NORAD to maintain readiness and validates tactics, techniques, and procedures. This iteration’s focus was defending the eastern approach of North America from simulated cruise missile threats. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Hoover.)

Saab has revealed Nimbrix, its first ever dedicated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) missile. The missile is developed to counter the increasing threat from small drones on the battlefield.

The fire-and-forget missile is being rapidly developed at Saab with the aim to deliver a system featuring a target seeker, a hard-kill warhead, and a small footprint – all at a low cost. The range will be up to 5 km with an active seeker to track its target. Its warhead can effectively engage and defeat UAS swarms using an air-burst mode.

“Nimbrix is our answer to the unmanned aerial threats which have escalated in the last few years. It is cost-effective which is critical given the proliferation of UASs on the battlefield. Nimbrix benefits from our long experience of air defence, together with an agile way of responding to new needs,” says Stefan Öberg, head of Saab’s business unit Missile Systems.

The missile operates as a ground-based system and can be operated independently or as part of a larger air defence system. With flexible mounting options to fit different customer requirements, Nimbrix can be mounted on various vehicles or in fixed configurations. The cost-effective nature of the missile contributes to maximising deployed numbers to generate sufficient air defence coverage.

Melbourne, Florida, August 28, 2025 – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ; B3: EMBR3) today announced it has surpassed 2,000 business jet deliveries, marking a defining moment in the company’s history. The milestone aircraft is a Praetor 500, delivered to an undisclosed corporate flight department during a ceremony at Embraer’s Executive Jets state-of-the-art Global Customer Center in Melbourne, Florida.

The Praetor 500 is the most disruptive and technologically advanced business jet in its class, delivering industry-leading range, speed and performance. It is the fastest and furthest-flying midsize jet, capable of true nonstop North America corner-to-corner flights, such as Miami to Seattle or Los Angeles to New York. The aircraft offers an impressive intercontinental range of 3,340 nautical miles (6,186 km) with four passengers and NBAA IFR Reserves.

“Delivering our 2,000th business jet is more than just a milestone number. It is a powerful reflection of the strength of our product portfolio, our unwavering commitment to our customers and the dedication of our employees who take pride in building every aircraft,” said Michael Amalfitano, President & CEO of Embraer Executive Jets. “This milestone cements Embraer’s position as a global leader in business aviation and serves as a testament to the popularity of our Praetor family of jets, especially among major corporate flight departments. Both the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600 have become aircraft of choice for their disruptive technology and unmatched performance, demonstrating the confidence these corporations place in Embraer.”

In addition to highlighting company growth, the delivery underscores the Praetor 500 and Praetor 600’s rising appeal among corporate flight departments, which value the family’s distinct combination of capabilities. The aircraft offer technology typically found in larger jets, such as full fly-by-wire with active turbulence reduction, while delivering short runway performance comparable to smaller aircraft. Complemented by best-in-class range, both aircraft provide passengers with access to more destinations around the world, without compromise.

Embraer’s executive aviation business has accumulated an average compound growth rate of 14% since 2002, when the first executive jet model was delivered. In 2024 alone, nearly one in every three small and midsize cabin jets delivered was an Embraer Phenom or Praetor.

Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales has arrived in Tokyo for a historic visit to deepen bonds between Japan and the UK.

The ship leads the UK Carrier Strike Group into Japan’s capital for a major port stop which will include hosting dignitaries, politicians and defence seniors, and opening to the public for tours before hosting an international summit, the Pacific Future Forum.

Prince of Wales arrived in Tokyo to much fanfare, with sailors lining the flight deck and people waving them in from bridges and viewpoints.

“After a brief but busy period of planned maintenance in Yokosuka, it’s a huge privilege to bring the Royal Navy fleet flagship into the centre of Tokyo,” said Captain Will Blackett, Commanding Officer of HMS Prince of Wales.

“Before arriving to Japan, we exercised with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force at sea. It has been great to see what we can do together and our commitment to working with our partners in the Indo-Pacific region

“Japan has been an incredible place to visit, our sailors have been so welcomed here and have explored all across the country. The Tokyo night skyline, with HMS Prince of Wales in it, is going to be really special.”

UK Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey MP, his Japanese counterpart Minister of Defence, Gen Nakatani and the head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins welcomed the ship in as it arrived in Tokyo.

The ship’s company of HMS Prince of Wales and her escort ships have just completed a period of maintenance and rest in nearby Yokosuka.

Those deployed as part of the Carrier Strike Group have climbed Mount Fuji and explored nearby, including visits to Kamakura and Shibuya, along with sampling local food and cultural experiences.

While in Tokyo, the flagship of the Carrier Strike Group will host the Pacific Future Forum, bringing together defence, security, and industry leaders to discuss shared security challenges, from future technology to economic security.

There will also be a Defence and Security Industry Day that will showcase British defence capabilities and innovation, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change.

After departing Tokyo HMS Prince of Wales will reunite with her escorts including HMS Richmond and RFA Tidespring which are visiting Busan in the Republic of Korea.
(Photos courtesy of the RN)

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 readies for takeoff on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 27, 2025. George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jack Barnell)

A Carrier Air Wing 8 F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 31 and deployed aboard the world’s largest aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), lands at the Royal Norwegian Air Force's Ørland Air Base, Norway, during High North operations, Aug. 27, 2025. Gerald R. Ford, a first-in-class aircraft carrier and deployed flagship of Carrier Strike Group Twelve, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the warfighting effectiveness, lethality and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region.
(Courtesy photo)

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 taxies on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while underway in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 27, 2025. George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Anthony Vilardi)

An E-2D Hawkeye, attached to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, readies for takeoff from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), while underway in the Pacific Ocean, Aug. 28, 2025. George Washington is the U.S. Navy’s premier forward-deployed aircraft carrier, a long-standing symbol of the United States’ commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region, while operating alongside allies and partners across the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicolas Quezada)

A U.S. Air Force E-11A takes off within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 19, 2025. The E-11A is equipped with a Battlefield Airborne Communications Node, which enables the aircraft to function similarly to a satellite, providing communication platforms to extend aerial command and control capabilities across the AOR. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Erin Dunkleberger)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 4th Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base (AFB), Utah, takes off during Red Flag 25-3 at Nellis AFB, Nevada, July 30, 2025. The aircraft departs under night conditions to execute a training mission focused on suppression of enemy air defenses. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt Zachary Rufus)

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kyle Flowers, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 533 (VMFA-533) F-35B Lightning II pilot, prepares to launch in support of exercise Northern Edge 2025 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Aug. 20, 2025. NE25 is an exercise led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command that serves as a platform for joint, multi-domain operations to deliver high-end, realistic warfighter training, strengthen joint interoperability, and sharpen the air and sea-based combat readiness of U.S. and participating forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class David S. Calcote)

RCAF Pilots from 3 Wing CFB Bagotville continued honing their skills aboard modernized CF-18 HEP-2 aircraft conducting simulated interceptions with a CP-140 Aurora from 14 Wing CFB Greenwood.
These exercises, held in Bagotville’s training airspace on July 31, 2025.
(Photo courtesy of the RCAF)

Dutch F-35s landed in Poland today. Starting Sunday, the fighter jets, along with the Norwegians, will secure NATO airspace over Eastern Europe for three months. The remaining personnel, including maintenance technicians, arrived earlier this week. The detachment is now complete.

The F-35s departed from Volkel Air Base this morning. The fighter jets have multiple missions. Among other things, they must ensure the safe arrival of military equipment donated by NATO countries at its destination in Ukraine. The F-35s will remain within NATO's treaty area for this purpose.

This mission also includes the so-called quick reaction alert. The fighter jets are on standby 24/7 to respond quickly to aircraft or other objects entering the airspace without authorization.
(Photos courtesy of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht )