US pushes autonomous aircraft swarms and “robot wingman” CCAs alongside B-21 automation and new airborne-systems buys
AeroVironment and Applied Intuition demonstrated operator-controlled software for multiple Mayhem 10 autonomous aircraft acting as a coordinated swarm. Concurrently, the Air Force confirmed the B-21 Raider will fly with two pilots while pursuing cross-training for mission roles, and sent CCA prototypes (YFQ-42A/YFQ-44A) to Creech AFB for austere-environment exercises. Chaos Industries acquired Atropos to expand into airborne autonomy, as CCA Increment 2 concept refinement is expected to complete by May 2027.