GA-ASI partners with Spirit Defense on FQ-42 airframe production

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems announced an October 23, 2026, partnership with Spirit Defense, part of Boeing, to support production of the FQ-42 Vengeance Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Spirit will serve as a fuselage design-and-build partner, adding aerostructure manufacturing capacity and reducing dependence on a single industrial source as the US Air Force develops its autonomous-aircraft fleet. The arrangement concerns manufacturing preparation for General Atomics' Gambit-derived platform, rather than transfer of programme leadership or a new aircraft procurement contract. General Atomics also reports discussions with potential foreign customers about national production participation and integration of domestic sensors, weapons and other equipment.