U.S. Air Force advances AI and uncrewed combat capabilities

The U.S. Air Force is advancing its autonomous and uncrewed combat technologies through two distinct programs. The X-62A VISTA, an F-16 testbed, is undergoing a Mission System Upgrade (MSU) in collaboration with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. This upgrade will allow artificial intelligence agents to control aircraft sensor settings, a capability previously unavailable during tests where agents could only manipulate control surfaces.

Separately, the XQ-67A has successfully demonstrated integrated mission systems and beyond-line-of-sight data links. Conducted under the Demonstration of ACP Performance and Effectiveness (Demon APE) project, the flight tested how uncrewed platforms can be managed across distributed theaters using resilient command and control. This effort, involving the Air Force Research Laboratory and Air Combat Command, aims to extend the reach of crewed fighter formations and provide affordable operational mass while reducing risk to aircrews.