Amidst the diverse pursuits of humanity, electrifying transportation, and expanding into the cosmos, the military domain is witnessing an intensified push toward autonomous weaponry and platforms. The prospect of deploying autonomous assets on the battlefield, devoid of human risk, represents a longstanding aspiration for military forces worldwide.
The emergence of drones marked a pivotal step towards realizing this vision, with further strides expected as military assets achieve full autonomy.
To this end, the U.S. Air Force recently initiated the Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model Autonomy Flying Testbed (VENOM-AFT) program, aimed at accelerating the development and testing of autonomy software for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
Central to this program is the modification of existing platforms to serve as testbeds for autonomous technologies. Despite the incorporation of autonomous systems, the F-16s will retain human pilots in the cockpit to monitor operations and ensure mission objectives are met.
Pilots will possess the capability to activate or deactivate autonomy algorithms as necessary, enabling real-time assessment and refinement of autonomous capabilities. The VENOM-AFT program underscores the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to advancing autonomy in aerial operations, with insights gained expected to inform future endeavors.
Notably, the program aligns with broader initiatives such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft project, heralding a new era in aerial warfare characterized by the integration of autonomous drones powered by artificial intelligence.