General Atomics Showcases Future Drone Capabilities

Aeronautical Systems president discusses history and new developments in unmanned aerial systems

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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General Atomics, a leading manufacturer of military drones like the Reaper and Predator, provided exclusive access to its Secure Advanced Manufacturing facilities in Poway, California. The company's president, Dave Alexander, sat down with National Security Editor Guy Taylor for a wide-ranging discussion on the history of the company's drone programs and its latest developments, including the new Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

Why it matters

General Atomics has been a key player in the growth of American drone dominance over the past two decades. As the Pentagon continues to prioritize the development of unmanned aerial systems, the company's innovations will shape the future capabilities of the U.S. military.

The details

During the interview, Alexander provided insight into the company's new CCA, a futuristic drone designed to work collaboratively with other unmanned and manned aircraft. He explained how the CCA's development aligns with the Pentagon's push for more domestically-produced small drones. The discussion also covered the history and evolution of the Reaper, Predator, and Sky Guardian drone programs.

  • The interview took place on February 12, 2026 at General Atomics' Secure Advanced Manufacturing facilities in Poway, California.

The players

Dave Alexander

President of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, the company that has been a leading manufacturer of military drones like the Reaper and Predator.

Guy Taylor

National Security Editor at The Washington Times, the publication that sponsored the project and conducted the interview with General Atomics.

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What they’re saying

“General Atomics has shaped the backbone of American leadership over unmanned aerial systems in the post-9/11 era and continues to be a standard setter today on futuristic UAS development and production.”

— Guy Taylor, National Security Editor (The Washington Times)

What’s next

General Atomics is expected to provide further updates on the development and capabilities of its new Collaborative Combat Aircraft in the coming months.

The takeaway

As the U.S. military continues to prioritize unmanned aerial systems, General Atomics' innovations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of American drone dominance on the global stage.