Northrop Grumman YFQ-48A Talon Blue Fighter Drone

At the 2026 edition of the Air Force Association's Warfare Symposium in Aurora, Colorado, Northrop Grumman unveiled the new nickname of their YFQ-48A fighter drone, "Talon Blue". This naming announcement was hot in the heels of rival drone maker General Atomics announcing the new nickname of their YFQ-42A CCA drone, "Dark Merlin" just days earlier.

The YFQ-48A Talon Blue started off as Project Talon. According to Northrop Grumman, "Project Talon represents a paradigm shift in air dominance and showcases our ability to quickly deliver mission-ready autonomy with streamlined manufacturing capabilities and innovative production processes. From the beginning, it has been designed for manufacturing. Its modular design exemplifies how efficient and adaptable manufacturing can meet the rapidly changing requirements of modern military operations, broadening appeal and effectiveness with domestic and international markets."

Northrop Grumman YFQ-48A Talon Blue

The YFQ-48A Talon Blue appears to be a strong contender for the U.S. Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), Increment 2 program, although the U.S. Air Force has not released the name of the competitors of Increment 2 as of the writing of this article.

Northrop Grumman YFQ-48A Talon Blue

The “YFQ-48A Talon Blue’s designation within the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program underscores the strategic alignment between Northrop Grumman’s manufacturing agility and the Air Force’s acquisition goals for low-cost, cutting-edge technology,” according to a press release the company put out at the Symposium. “The aircraft’s design provides mission versatility through advanced modular manufacturing techniques that reduce part count and overall weight – shortening production timelines without sacrificing capability.”

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