General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) will present its latest advancements in autonomous combat aviation at the International Fighter Conference (IFC) 2025, taking place in Rome from November 4 to 6. The company is the event’s only Four-Star Lead Partner, underscoring its focus on the development of uncrewed and semi-autonomous fighter systems.
GA-ASI’s display will include a full-scale model of the YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), a platform launched in August 2025 that represents a major step in the firm’s ongoing program to produce and fly a production-representative uncrewed jet for the U.S. Air Force. The YFQ-42A is part of the company’s broader Gambit Series, a family of modular and scalable uncrewed fighters designed to support U.S. and allied air forces in next-generation operations.
“The YFQ-42A is a revolutionary aircraft, and the fleet is in production and in the air today,” said David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI. “This isn’t a ‘wait and see’ moment. We’re flying. We’re delivering. And we’re advancing this future of combat aviation, the same way we have for more than three decades.”
The company’s portfolio of autonomous aircraft includes the MQ-20 Avenger, XQ-67A Off-Board Sensing Station, and YFQ-42A CCA. GA-ASI emphasizes that its designs aim to enhance autonomy, support manned-unmanned teaming, and enable large-scale production at lower cost. The MQ-20 Avenger, first flown in 2009, continues to serve as a testbed for integrating advanced autonomy software from both government and industry partners.
Since 1992, GA-ASI has delivered more than 1,300 combat aircraft to U.S. and allied forces, accumulating over 9 million flight hours. Its Predator, Reaper, Gray Eagle, SkyGuardian, and SeaGuardian platforms remain key assets for medium-altitude, long-endurance missions.
During IFC 2025, GA-ASI will offer attendees an opportunity to explore its technologies and discuss the role of autonomous aircraft in future air combat operations.
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