The U.S. Air Force has announced an ambitious goal to deploy 1,000 autonomous aircraft by 2032, along with tens of thousands of low-cost, long-range munitions. The plans were detailed during a major conference, emphasizing the need to increase industrial capacity despite uncertainties about long-term funding. Central to this effort is the development of the Modular Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA), intended to replace the MQ-9 Reaper, with a target of 100 units by 2029 and an additional 400 by 2032, at an estimated cost of around $10 million per aircraft.
The MMA program features designs from General Atomics and Swarm Aero, focusing on affordability and rapid production. The U.S. Air Force favors a phased approach, introducing capabilities incrementally through an open architecture that allows for easier modifications. The service also plans to field 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) by 2032, with contracts awarded to Anduril and General Atomics. Notably, the F-42A aircraft will be called "Vengeance," and Anduril’s FQ-44A will be named "Fury."
"The evolution of these systems is built into the architecture, allowing us to see continued involvement and capability improvements," said Secretary Troy Meink.
Additionally, the Department of the Air Force aims to expand its Family of Affordable Mass Missiles, with production contracts to several defense firms to produce tens of thousands of such missiles by 2030. These initiatives underscore the military’s focus on autonomous systems and cost-effective weapon platforms, aligning with its broader modernization and readiness objectives.
