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FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

GA‑ASI arms MQ‑9B for long‑range standoff strikes; MQ‑20 Avenger demos manned–unmanned teaming with F‑22

General Atomics is integrating long‑range precision air‑to‑surface and anti‑ship weapons onto the MQ‑9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian to enable extended‑range strike while preserving endurance, with initial trials slated for 2026. Separately, GA‑ASI demonstrated manned–unmanned teaming between the MQ‑20 Avenger and a USAF F‑22.

2026-02-23T22:00:38.780286-08:00

DVIDS / U.S. DoD

USAF advances Collaborative Combat Aircraft into captive‑carry weapons testing; Lockheed flights AI combat‑ID on F‑35

2026-02-23T16:56:20.295578-08:00

FlightGlobal

China’s collaborative combat aircraft push: the software race outpacing airframes

2026-02-23T20:10:22.432473-08:00

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman names YFQ‑48A autonomous fighter prototype 'Talon Blue' for USAF Project Talon

2026-02-23T09:10:20.547296-08:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

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GA‑ASI arms MQ‑9B for long‑range standoff strikes; MQ‑20 Avenger demos manned–unmanned teaming with F‑22 General Atomics is integrating long‑range precision air‑to‑surface and anti‑ship weapons onto the MQ‑9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian to enable extended‑range strike while preserving endurance, with initial trials slated for 2026. Separately, GA‑ASI demonstrated manned–unmanned teaming between the MQ‑20 Avenger and a USAF F‑22.

2026-02-23T22:00:38.780286-08:00

GA‑ASI arms MQ‑9B for long‑range standoff strikes; MQ‑20 Avenger demos manned–unmanned teaming with F‑22

FlightGlobal

China’s collaborative combat aircraft push: the software race outpacing airframes Beijing is advancing multiple collaborative combat aircraft airframes, but analysts argue the decisive contest is in autonomy, mission software and networking rather than hardware. China’s emphasis on AI-enabled command-and-control aims to field interoperable ‘drone wingmen’ and integrated sensor networks at scale.

2026-02-23T20:10:22.432473-08:00

China’s collaborative combat aircraft push: the software race outpacing airframes

DVIDS / U.S. DoD

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USAF advances Collaborative Combat Aircraft into captive‑carry weapons testing; Lockheed flights AI combat‑ID on F‑35 The U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme has entered weapons‑integration and captive‑carry testing with inert munitions, with Anduril's Fury conducting captive sorties with AIM‑120 AMRAAMs to validate airworthiness and systems. Lockheed Martin separately flight‑tested an AI‑enabled combat‑identification model that displayed independent target IDs on an F‑35 pilot's screen.

2026-02-23T16:56:20.295578-08:00

USAF advances Collaborative Combat Aircraft into captive‑carry weapons testing; Lockheed flights AI combat‑ID on F‑35

FlightGlobal

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USAF awards prototype-engine design contracts to GE/Kratos and Honeywell for CCA, UAS and missile propulsion The U.S. Air Force has awarded prototype-design contracts for two small turbofan concepts to power Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), UAS and missiles. GE Aerospace with Kratos won a $12.4m award to finish preliminary design of the GEK1500 (drawing on the GEK800 architecture), and Honeywell received a contract to develop its SkyShot 1600.

2026-02-23T12:30:35.063185-08:00

USAF awards prototype-engine design contracts to GE/Kratos and Honeywell for CCA, UAS and missile propulsion

DefenseNews.com

Canada and Denmark order MQ-9B SkyGuardian from General Dynamics, advancing Arctic ISR cooperation Canada and Denmark have both placed orders for MQ-9B unmanned systems from General Dynamics, a shared platform some experts say could enable closer Arctic surveillance and interoperability in the High North. The parallel purchases open opportunities for coordinated ISR missions, logistics commonality and data sharing across high-latitude operations.

2026-02-23T09:31:08.971831-08:00

Canada and Denmark order MQ-9B SkyGuardian from General Dynamics, advancing Arctic ISR cooperation

Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman names YFQ‑48A autonomous fighter prototype 'Talon Blue' for USAF Project Talon Northrop Grumman has officially named its YFQ‑48A prototype “Talon Blue,” formalizing the company‑funded Project Talon entry as the U.S. Air Force variant intended to operate as a collaborative ‘loyal wingman’ in the service’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft effort. Northrop announced the name on 23 February 2026.

2026-02-23T09:10:20.547296-08:00

Northrop Grumman names YFQ‑48A autonomous fighter prototype 'Talon Blue' for USAF Project Talon

AeroTime

Ukraine strikes Yevpatoria repair plant in Crimea, damages two rare Be‑12 maritime aircraft with FPV drones Ukraine's Defence Forces said on Feb. 21, 2026 they struck the Yevpatoria Aviation Repair Plant in occupied Crimea, damaging two rare Beriev Be‑12 amphibious maritime patrol aircraft. Kyiv said FPV drones executed the attack — part of a campaign to erode Moscow's dwindling maritime aviation capabilities.

2026-02-23T08:11:41.675337-08:00

Ukraine strikes Yevpatoria repair plant in Crimea, damages two rare Be‑12 maritime aircraft with FPV drones

DefenseNews.com

India buys fighters; World Cup drone‑defence and Lockheed unveils 'Lamprey' submersible Briefing: India has confirmed recent fighter purchases; counter‑drone systems are being used to protect the World Cup; and Lockheed Martin unveiled 'Lamprey', a hull‑attached submersible designed to recharge vessels' onboard systems. The items reflect procurement, force protection and platform‑support trends across defence.

2026-02-23T06:50:42.147343-08:00

India buys fighters; World Cup drone‑defence and Lockheed unveils 'Lamprey' submersible

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UAV Development & Drone Programs News

GA‑ASI arms MQ‑9B for long‑range standoff strikes; MQ‑20 Avenger demos manned–unmanned teaming with F‑22

USAF advances Collaborative Combat Aircraft into captive‑carry weapons testing; Lockheed flights AI combat‑ID on F‑35

China’s collaborative combat aircraft push: the software race outpacing airframes

Northrop Grumman names YFQ‑48A autonomous fighter prototype 'Talon Blue' for USAF Project Talon

News Timeline