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FlightGlobal • Greg Waldron

USAF, General Atomics validate F‑22 control of MQ‑20 Avenger in milestone manned–unmanned 'loyal wingman' demo

The U.S. Air Force and General Atomics demonstrated manned–unmanned teaming when F‑22 pilots commanded an MQ‑20 Avenger during a live autonomy exercise at Edwards AFB. The trial validated MUM‑T control and loyal‑wingman concepts, advancing autonomous coordination for future combat operations and uncrewed strike roles.

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

ga-asi.com

USAF and GA‑ASI Demonstrate Live Manned–Unmanned Teaming: F‑22 Commands MQ‑20 Avenger at Edwards AFB

2026-02-23T04:06:13.688501-08:00

The War Zone

General Atomics names YFQ-42A 'Dark Merlin' for USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft

2026-02-23T03:53:48.711016-08:00

Aviation Week

DARPA designates General Atomics LongShot as X-68A as program nears F‑15 air‑launch integration

2026-02-17T06:11:19.361596-08:00

News Timeline

FlightGlobal

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USAF, General Atomics validate F‑22 control of MQ‑20 Avenger in milestone manned–unmanned 'loyal wingman' demo The U.S. Air Force and General Atomics demonstrated manned–unmanned teaming when F‑22 pilots commanded an MQ‑20 Avenger during a live autonomy exercise at Edwards AFB. The trial validated MUM‑T control and loyal‑wingman concepts, advancing autonomous coordination for future combat operations and uncrewed strike roles.

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

USAF, General Atomics validate F‑22 control of MQ‑20 Avenger in milestone manned–unmanned 'loyal wingman' demo

ga-asi.com

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USAF and GA‑ASI Demonstrate Live Manned–Unmanned Teaming: F‑22 Commands MQ‑20 Avenger at Edwards AFB In a live mission at Edwards AFB, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and the U.S. Air Force demonstrated real‑time manned–unmanned teaming with an F‑22 Raptor commanding an MQ‑20 Avenger. The successful test validated crewed–uncrewed control concepts and loyal‑wingman force‑multiplication for future air combat.

2026-02-23T04:06:13.688501-08:00

USAF and GA‑ASI Demonstrate Live Manned–Unmanned Teaming: F‑22 Commands MQ‑20 Avenger at Edwards AFB

The War Zone

General Atomics names YFQ-42A 'Dark Merlin' for USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft General Atomics has formally designated its Collaborative Combat Aircraft prototype YFQ-42A “Dark Merlin”, positioning the unmanned fighter to operate alongside manned platforms in the USAF’s NGAD/CCA architecture. The name signals a step forward as the prototype moves toward demonstrations and potential competition for service procurement.

2026-02-23T03:53:48.711016-08:00

General Atomics names YFQ-42A 'Dark Merlin' for USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Aviation Week

DARPA designates General Atomics LongShot as X-68A as program nears F‑15 air‑launch integration DARPA has designated General Atomics' LongShot prototype the X‑68A after a series of technical milestones and is advancing toward flight tests in 2026. The uncrewed, missile‑carrying air‑launched vehicle is being integrated for F‑15 air‑launch to extend combat reach and keep crewed aircraft at safer standoff distances.

2026-02-17T06:11:19.361596-08:00

DARPA designates General Atomics LongShot as X-68A as program nears F‑15 air‑launch integration

Air Data News

SNC, Northrop Grumman and General Atomics form team to offer Freedom Trainer™ for U.S. Navy UJTS Sierra Nevada Corporation has signed an executive charter with Northrop Grumman and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to form an industry team to deliver its Freedom Trainer™, an advanced jet trainer. It will bid for the U.S. Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System (UJTS) competition.

2026-02-12T02:54:20.812899-08:00

SNC, Northrop Grumman and General Atomics form team to offer Freedom Trainer™ for U.S. Navy UJTS

Breaking Defense

The uncrewed revolution: MQ-9B and Gambit series reshape regional air dominance The MQ-9B and Gambit series represent parallel uncrewed capabilities reshaping regional air dominance, offering persistent, scalable ISR and strike options. Their combination lets militaries address rising security challenges with lower risk to crewed platforms and affordably extend operational reach across contested regions.

2026-02-09T05:19:22.146856-08:00

The uncrewed revolution: MQ-9B and Gambit series reshape regional air dominance

ga.com

GA-ASI MQ-20 Avenger conducts mission-autonomy flight, completing simulated autonomous aerial intercept General Atomics conducted a mission-autonomy flight with its MQ-20 Avenger on 18 January 2026, loading a mission profile and using the government reference autonomy software to execute a simulated air‑to‑air intercept. The company framed the sortie as an advance in human–machine teaming and autonomous engagement tactics.

2026-01-18T18:16:05.054826-08:00

GA-ASI MQ-20 Avenger conducts mission-autonomy flight, completing simulated autonomous aerial intercept

edrmagazine.eu

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Germany orders eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPAs via NATO agency for maritime patrol Germany has ordered eight General Atomics MQ‑9B SeaGuardian remotely piloted aircraft through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency for maritime patrol and ISR. The acquisition, executed with GA‑ASI, is aimed at strengthening NATO maritime surveillance and interoperability, with deliveries expected in 2028.

2026-01-12T11:52:12.556924-08:00

Germany orders eight MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPAs via NATO agency for maritime patrol

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General Atomics News

USAF, General Atomics validate F‑22 control of MQ‑20 Avenger in milestone manned–unmanned 'loyal wingman' demo

USAF and GA‑ASI Demonstrate Live Manned–Unmanned Teaming: F‑22 Commands MQ‑20 Avenger at Edwards AFB

General Atomics names YFQ-42A 'Dark Merlin' for USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft

DARPA designates General Atomics LongShot as X-68A as program nears F‑15 air‑launch integration

News Timeline