US combat drones move closer to real-life missions with Air Force’s Nevada exercise

The U.S. Air Force held a multi-day Collaborative Combat Aircraft exercise at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada.

Semi-autonomous uncrewed aircraft operated alongside manned jets in real-world scenarios to test tactics, procedures, range, reliability, and autonomy.

AFOTEC observed the drills with a rapid evaluation process to gather performance data for fielding decisions.

The exercise is intended to accelerate frontline deployment and improve human-machine teaming in contested airspace.