WASHINGTON, D.C. (MPG) - Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) announced May 2 that Beale Air Force Base (AFB) has been selected as the preferred location for the Air Force’s new Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Aircraft Readiness Unit, a major step forward in securing the base’s future role in next-generation defense technology.

“This is a major win for Beale AFB and a vote of confidence in the capabilities of our region,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “These aircraft represent the future of the Air Force: autonomous, highly capable and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. I worked closely with my colleagues in Congress, state and local leaders, and the Department of Defense to make the case for Beale. I want to thank President Trump, DOD leadership and the Air Force for recognizing Beale’s strategic importance and moving quickly to make it happen. This new mission not only solidifies Beale’s role in our national defense but also brings new technology and investment to our region.”

Said Senator Adam Schiff, “When we visited Beale Air Force Base just a couple weeks ago, I met committed California servicemembers working to protect our nation and apply new technologies to the adapting threats we face. The Air Force’s selection of Beale for testing of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft puts those same servicemembers at the center of the Air Force’s modernization efforts for our nation’s 21st-century defense. As the West Coast remains on the front line for deterring adversaries in the Pacific and the home of the nation’s technological innovation, I’m proud to see Yuba County at the tip of the spear for promoting America’s national security.”

Congressman LaMalfa led the effort alongside Senator Schiff (D-CA) to bring this new mission with newly developed technology to Beale Air Force Base, winning out over competing sites in Nevada and North Dakota. Collaborative Combat Aircraft are part of the next generation of autonomous and fully integrated aircraft that will have broad multi-use capability from intelligence gathering to weapons deployment and much more. 

The Air Force is currently conducting ground tests of the aircraft, with flight testing expected later this year.

Congressman Doug LaMalfa is chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba counties.