F-35s Quarterbacking Drones Seen as Gateway to USMC's 6th Gen Fighter

7 hours ago

The U.S. Marine Corps is advancing with Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone development, starting with a Marine-specific, landing gear-equipped Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie variant known as MQ-58.
The Marine Corps' CCA program, under MAGTF Uncrewed Expeditionary Tactical Aircraft (MUX TACAIR), aims to team drones with F-35s as a "bridge" to a sixth-generation family of air combat systems.
Officials express confidence in the MUX TACAIR program's progress, funding, and support, expecting to meet milestones, with man-unmanned teaming as a key focus area.
The MQ-58, capable of rocket-assisted takeoffs from launchers, is slated for arrival between 2026 and 2030, with testing and integration as part of a series of CCA increments.
The Marine Corps is considering future sixth-generation crewed fighter options, potentially aligned with the Navy's F/A-XX program, while simultaneously focusing on upgrading its entire F-35 fleet to Block 4 standard over the next decade.
Block 4 F-35 upgrades are crucial for future CCA teaming, offering new radars and systems, but face delays that could impact broader aviation plans, including drone integration and next-generation capabilities.

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