General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) said on Nov. 4 that it is developing the Gambit 6–the company’s latest version of the Gambit series drones–for electronic warfare and air-to-ground operations.
The latest Gambit will be “a collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) that adds air-to-ground operations to its already proven air-to-air capability,” GA-ASI said. “The multi-role platform is optimized for roles such as electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and deep precision strike, making it a versatile option for evolving defense needs.”
“Air forces throughout the world are looking to air-to-ground-capable CCAs to enhance operational capabilities and address emerging threats in a denied environment,” according to GA-ASI. “Airframes will be available for international procurement starting in 2027, with European missionized versions deliverable in 2029.”
Last month, the Dutch joined the U.S. Air Force CCA program and are teaming with GA-ASI to build a new, small drone for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
GA-ASI said that the new drone is to fly before the end of this year and that low-rate initial production is to start next year in the U.S. and the Netherlands.
The Gambit versions announced by the company in the last three years include the Gambit 1 long endurance sensing aircraft, the Gambit 2, which adds the air-to-air mission, the Gambit 3, specializing in adversary air, the tail less, swept-wing Gambit 4 for combat reconnaissance, and the Gambit 5 ship-based CCA–a version GA-ASI said it developed last year and the latest, Gambit 6.
GA-ASI’s YFQ-42A CCA prototype, based on the Gambit 2, is competing against Anduril Industries‘ YFQ-44A Fury CCA for Increment 1 of the Air Force CCA program. The YFQ-42A began flight testing in August, and the YFQ-44A had its debut flight On Oct. 30.
Next year, the Air Force is to downselect to one and to begin CCA Increment 2 development.
A version of this story originally appeared in affiliate publication Defense Daily.