Experimental Operations Unit activated: US Air Force initiates new task force
Air Force unit in Nevada accelerates Collaborative Combat Aircraft integration.
The 53rd Wing formally activated the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada on 5 June, elevating its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) unit to a fully operational squadron.
This is a pivotal moment for our force,” says Col. Daniel Lehoski, 53rd wing commander.
He underlined that the move is a significant step forward as the Air Force ramps up testing for the first phase – known as Increment 1 – of its CCA programme.
Increment 1 is currently testing new aircraft prototypes, including the General Atomics ASI YFQ-42 and Anduril YFQ-44 with Nellis serving as the first parent unit for both types.
“The EOU embodies our commitment to rapid innovation and ensuring our warfighters have the most advanced tools to dominate the future battlespace. They are ready to reduce risk in concurrency and deliver capability faster,” he added.
Designed as uncrewed force multipliers CCAs will operate alongside fifth-and sixth-generation fighter jets. Forming the backbone of next-generation Air Dominance Systems of Systems, they will deliver operational flexibility across a range of missions and costs for the Joint Force.
While the CCAs will complement the current fighters (F-35 and F-22), the Air Force’s sixth-generation Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet is not expected to enter service until the 2030s.
Mission autonomy
The EOU will play a key role in the development of mission autonomy coupled with principled protection of human decision-making. It will provide a proving ground for refining human-machine teaming according to Lt. Col. Matthew Jensen, EOU Commander. It will “accelerate the delivery of combat-ready capabilities to the warfighter.”
Noting that the EOU will “accelerate the delivery of combat-ready capabilities to the warfighter,” he also said, experimental operations will ensure CCAs are “immediately viable as a credible combat capability that increases Joint Force survivability and lethality.”
Operating under the Virtual Warfare Center and the Joint Integrated Test and Training Center Nellis, the EOU will conduct high-fidelity simulations and live-fly experiments to verify simulation results, refine non-material considerations and optimise tactics and techniques. Ultimately, the Air Force plans to conduct actual flight tests based on these simulations.
Collaborative combat ecosystem
“Our vision is to create a collaborative combat ecosystem that is more agile, adaptable and lethal,” added Jensen. “This will enable our forces to dominate the future battlespace and achieve decisive advantages in complex, contested environments.”
The unit’s activation follows the recent testing of CCA systems at Beale Air Force Base in California. It also aligns with Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin’s strategic vision, underscoring the Air Force’s commitment to using CCA to deliver affordable mass while maintaining a competitive edge against potential adversaries.
