The YFQ-48A’s designation marks a key step forward in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, as the Air Force prepares to select designs for the Increment 2. The service says the designation “highlights the ongoing partnership between the Air Force and Northrop Grumman and acknowledges the continued progress of the YFQ-48A as a strong contender in the CCA program.”
As previously explained, this MDS defines the semi-autonomous aircraft as an unmanned fighter. In fact, YFQ means prototypes (as indicated by the ‘Y’ status prefix) of UAVs (as denoted by the ‘Q’ vehicle type code) with the intended role as a fighter (indicated by the ‘F’ basic mission).
The YFQ-48A now joins the two other CCAs, the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A, which received the same unmanned fighter prototype designation in March 2025. These two aircraft, currently in flight testing, are part of the CCA’s program Increment 1.
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Recently, Breaking Defense reported about the award of early contracts to nine unnamed companies for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program’s Increment 2. The development, disclosed by an Air Force spokesperson to the publication, will see the nine companies compete for a prototyping contract.