GA-ASI & USAF Demonstrate F-22 & MQ-20 Manned-Unmanned Teaming In Joint Autonomy Exercise
GA-ASI and USAF successfully demonstrate autonomous manned-unmanned teaming between MQ-20 Avenger and F-22 Raptor, advancing operational readiness for integrated air combat.
SIGNAL LEVEL: CRITICAL SECTOR: Defense
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and the U.S. Air Force successfully demonstrated autonomous manned-unmanned teaming between the MQ-20 Avenger and F-22 Raptor on 24 February 2026, executing coordinated tactical missions with autonomous decision-making. This marks the first operational validation of crewed-uncrewed teaming at scale with a combat-proven fighter platform, advancing the MQ-20 from LIMITED to operational readiness for integrated air operations.
AFFECTED: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Lockheed Martin (F-22 platform partner); L3Harris (prior October 2025 demonstration partner); competing CCA developers (Kratos, Boeing, Northrop Grumman)
WATCH: (1) MQ-20 deployment status transition timeline—monitor for shift from LIMITED to FIELDED designation. (2) Integration of TacACE and Optix.C2 autonomy software into operational F-22 squadrons; track USAF procurement quantities and fielding schedules.
CONTEXT: This demonstration validates GA-ASI’s Quadratix autonomy ecosystem (TacACE, Optix.C2, Multi-Mission Controller) in contested environments. Success strengthens GA-ASI’s competitive position in the $30+ billion USAF Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, where the YFQ-42A prototype achieved first semi-autonomous flight in August 2025 with 4-hour autonomy duration.