As part of this shift, the US Air Force (USAF) is advancing its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program by moving closer to selecting the next generation of AI-enabled drone wingmen. The competition is currently in the concept refinement stage, with participating companies developing and improving their aircraft designs over the next 10 months. The first phase of the CCA program has already progressed into production with two different autonomous drone designs. Next-gen propulsion To support future drone designs, USAF is also investing in the development of new aircraft engines. Alongside the CCA program, the Air Force is also beginning work on a replacement for its MQ-9A Reaper drone.