Military Fighters Direct Squadron of Autonomous Drones during Significant Trial

Military Fighters Direct Squadron of Autonomous Drones during Significant Trial

The U.S. Air Force recently conducted a significant test flight at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, integrating crewed fighters with semi-autonomous drones as part of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The test involved the F-16C Fighting Falcons and F-15E Strike Eagles, each controlling two XQ-58A Valkyrie drones in air combat training scenarios.

The CCA program aims to enhance airpower by integrating crewed fighters with semi-autonomous drones, such as the XQ-58A Valkyrie, to improve situational awareness, risk reduction, and mission effectiveness. This human-machine teaming approach is crucial for future air warfare, enabling pilots to manage multiple drones in real-time combat scenarios.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie, developed by defense startup Kratos, is an autonomous, low-cost, tactical unmanned air vehicle. It is designed to operate semi-autonomously in high-risk environments, providing capabilities such as surveillance, electromagnetic warfare, and potentially serving as decoys or launching weapons. The Valkyrie offers runway flexibility, making it suitable for various mission requirements and environments.

While specific control systems for the F-16C and F-15E are not detailed, the broader program aims to equip crewed aircraft with advanced interfaces to manage drones. This is part of a broader strategy to leverage manned-unmanned teaming in future air operations.

In addition to the F-16C and F-15E, the Air Force is also retrofitting F-22 Raptors with systems to control CCA drones. The F-22’s advanced stealth and communication capabilities make it suitable for this role, enhancing the Air Force’s ability to integrate manned and unmanned systems.

The U.S. Marine Corps also operates the XQ-58A drone. Data from the recent flight demonstration will inform future development and deployment of semi-autonomous capabilities across the Department of Defense. The Air Force also has an Autonomous Collaborative Platforms program, funded at over $50 million in fiscal 2025, which aims to mature technology to reduce risk and develop human-machine teaming capabilities.

Brig. Gen. Jason E. Bartolomei, the commander of AFRL, stated that this flight marks a crucial step in developing capabilities for human-machine teaming to overcome complex threats and expand advantages. Gen. Ken Wilsbach, Air Combat Command boss, stated that the test was part of the Air Force's approach of using "operator-driven evaluations" to enhance human-machine teaming.

The goal of these efforts is to adapt, increase combat effectiveness, and reduce risk to aircrews in contested environments. The test demonstrated the Air Force's ability to integrate manned and semi-autonomous systems in real-time, but further details about the test were not immediately provided.

1. The U.S. Air Force plans to enhance airpower by integrating semi-autonomous drones like the XQ-58A Valkyrie with crewed fighters, such as the F-16C Fighting Falcon and F-15E Strike Eagle, as part of its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program.
2. The XQ-58A Valkyrie, developed by defense startup Kratos, is a tactical unmanned air vehicle designed to operate semi-autonomously in high-risk environments, offering capabilities such as surveillance, electromagnetic warfare, and potentially serving as decoys or launching weapons.
3. Although specific control systems for the F-16C and F-15E are not detailed, the broader CCA program aims to equip crewed aircraft with advanced interfaces to manage drones, leveraging manned-unmanned teaming in future air operations.
4. The U.S. Marine Corps also operates the XQ-58A drone, and data from recent flight demonstrations will inform future development and deployment of semi-autonomous capabilities across the Department of Defense.
5. In addition to the F-16C, F-15E, and XQ-58A drone, the Air Force is retrofitting F-22 Raptors with systems to control CCA drones, leveraging the Raptor's advanced stealth and communication capabilities.
6. The Air Force has an Autonomous Collaborative Platforms program, funded at over $50 million in fiscal 2025, which aims to mature technology and develop human-machine teaming capabilities, furthering the department's approach of using "operator-driven evaluations" to enhance human-machine teaming.

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