US Air Force advances AI‑controlled F‑16 fighter with VENOM autonomy kit

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.S. Air Force have completed a milestone test of the VENOM (Viper Experimentation and Next‑gen Operations Model) program, successfully allowing an artificial‑intelligence agent to autonomously fly a modified F‑16 Fighting Falcon. The AI‑controlled flight was conducted at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, with a human pilot remaining in the cockpit to monitor and switch between manual and AI control. The VENOM Autonomy Kit integrates with the aircraft’s existing flight‑control and mission systems without altering core software, enabling the AI to manage navigation, sensor operation, and combat decision‑making, particularly for beyond‑visual‑range engagements. This test is part of DARPA’s broader Artificial Intelligence Reinforcement (AIR) effort, which aims to develop AI agents for coordinated drone swarms and future Collaborative Combat Aircraft concepts.