Avalon 2025: General Atomics combat drone to fly before August and will be targeted at Australian requirements
GA-ASI believes there are opportunities for its CCA in Australia. (Image: GA-ASI)
General Atomics-Aeronautical Systems Inc (GA-ASI) landed the big win when it was awarded Project Air 7003. Despite the cancellation in 2022, however, the company sees potential in the Australian market.
The Australian Government’s cancellation of Project Air 7003 only three years ago, which would have seen GA-ASI deliver up to 12 weapons-ready MQ-9B SkyGuardian aircraft and a significant quantity of related equipment under a US$1.6 billion deal, has not dampened the company’s belief in medium-term opportunities.
Company officials, speaking to Shephard at the Australian International Airshow at Avalon near Melbourne, said there remained capability needs in the Australian Defence Forces even though there were not declared requirements or money.
The upbeat attitude comes at the same time as it looks to fly its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Increment 1 prototype
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans]()
April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans
Countries releasing their spending budgets over the past month have placed an emphasis on advancing next-generation crewed programmes as well as upgrades and expansion plans for air combat and aerial refuelling capabilities.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
