U.S. Air Force Launches Experimental Operations Unit

Activation looks to accelerate the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft.

Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

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Two examples of potential Collaborative Combat Aircraft [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force/General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Anduril Industries]

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Air Force has activated the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) as a full squadron at Nellis AFB to accelerate the development and integration of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) with human pilots.
The EOU will conduct extensive virtual simulations and live-fly experiments to achieve fully operational CCA capabilities under Increment 1 by the end of the decade.
This initiative represents a significant philosophical shift towards a human-machine partnership, aiming for CCAs to enhance air superiority, increase survivability and lethality as "Loyal Wingmen," and outmatch evolving threats.

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The U.S. Air Force is launching an effort to help teach combat drones to play well with human pilots—and vice versa.

Last week, the Air Force’s 53rd Wing formally activated the Experimental Operations Unit (EOU) into a fully operational squadron equivalent. During a ceremony at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, the unit, which had been operating as a detachment since 2023, received its new elevation.