The Netherlands has joined the United States Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, marking a new step in transatlantic cooperation on autonomous unmanned systems designed to fly alongside manned fighters.
Dutch State Secretary for Defence Gijs Tuinman signed a letter of intent on October 16, 2025, ahead of the Defence Industry Days at the Dutch embassy in Washington, DC. The agreement aligns with the Netherlands’ Defence Strategy for Industry and Innovation, launched in April, which identifies unmanned systems as a national priority.
Strengthening manned-unmanned teaming
The US-led CCA initiative aims to field autonomous drones that can operate with fighter aircraft such as the F-35, extending sensor range, adding weapons capacity, and taking on high-risk missions in contested airspace. These so-called ‘loyal wingmen’ are intended to be faster and cheaper to produce than traditional fighters.
“By joining this program now, the Netherlands is seizing an opportunity to assume a leading role,” the Dutch Ministry of Defense said.
Partnership with General Atomics
In parallel, the Dutch Ministry of Defense will partner with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) to develop smaller ISR drones. Dutch firm VDL will build the systems, which could enter service as early as 2026.
At the Defence Industry Days, Tuinman underlined the importance of transatlantic cooperation, saying the partnership would also strengthen the Netherlands’ high-tech industrial base.
Europe’s evolving landscape
The move comes as Europe accelerates its own unmanned combat efforts. General Atomics is adapting its YFQ-42A for Europe with assembly in Germany, while Rheinmetall and Anduril are co-developing a European version of the YFQ-44 Fury. Airbus and Kratos plan to introduce the XQ-58A Valkyrie into German service by 2029.
Meanwhile, Dassault Aviation continues to advance a French UCAS derived from its nEUROn demonstrator to accompany the Rafale F5 in the early 2030s.
