USMC sees CCA drones as bridge to 6th-gen fighter

The U.S. Marine Corps is positioning its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drone program as a critical stepping stone to a future family of advanced capabilities, which could include a sixth-generation fighter. An analysis suggests the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will act as a 'quarterback' for these autonomous drones, managing them in combat. This strategy is seen as a way to bridge the gap between current assets and next-generation air power. The approach aims to integrate new technology incrementally while maintaining operational readiness.