Fully Fund the Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Dear Chairman Wicker and Senator Reed:

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) continues to make impressive strides increasing the capabilities of its military. There is no greater example than China’s fifth generation fighter: the J-20 and the large numbers in which that aircraft is being produced. By contrast, the United States will only complete its purchase of 1763 F-35s in 2040. In fact, less than 15 percent of our current fighters are stealth aircraft. A relatively small number to deter the PRC, when that nation continues to field consequential integrated air-defense systems and long-range strike capabilities. So how does the United States turn the tables against this production juggernaut? In part, by quickly developing and producing, in mass numbers, an uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). Therefore, the Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) respectfully recommends the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) authorize funding for the CCA to achieve the current Future Years Defense Program plan of allocating approximately $9.0 billion by the end of Fiscal Year 2029.

The Air Force should follow a four-part fighter procurement plan to maintain a credible deterrent against our adversaries. First, production of the F-35As and F-15EXs must be maximized. Second, the Next Generation of Air Dominance aircraft must be operational before the beginning of the next decade and procured at a price in which the aircraft can be produced in sufficient numbers. Third, our existing aircraft, especially our stealth aircraft, need to be consistently modernized to meet anticipated threats. Finally, the Air Force must achieve its current plans to field over 1,000 CCAs and achieve a full operational capability by 2030.

The CCA will be a truly unique multi-role stealth aircraft. Versions will be able to be launched from a platform like a rocket or utilize extremely short airfields. Yes, CCA will be uncrewed, but it will be integrated into formations of crewed aircraft, such as the F-22 and F-35. Pilots of the crewed aircraft will maintain “a human in the loop” through sophisticated data links. But the CCA will be able to conduct those parts of missions in which there is high risk for a human pilot, such as acting as a forward sensor or decoy. It will also be able to carry additional ordnance for strike and air supremacy missions. Essentially, the CCA will be a force multiplier and a key asset in attaining air superiority.

Accordingly, AFA respectfully recommends the SASC authorize funding for the CCA to achieve the current Future Years Defense Program plan of allocating approximately $9.0 billion by the end of Fiscal Year 2029.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Bernie Skoch, Brig Gen, USAF (Ret.)
Chairman of the Board

Burton Field, Lt Gen, USAF (Ret.)
President & CEO