The VENOM F-16s began flying in June to verify that the aircraft operated safely and properly after the technology upgrades, the Air Force said. The team then moved in July to successful in-air testing using an agent to autonomously control flight.
Pilots remain in the cockpit during these missions to monitor the AI agents and ensure flight and mission systems test objectives are met. The approach is intended to help the Air Force rapidly evolve autonomous capabilities while keeping human oversight inside the aircraft during testing.
“Getting the aircraft into the air is always a monumental milestone for a complex test program,” said Tim Stevens, a VENOM test pilot with the 40th Flight Test Squadron. “It represents years of design, modification and test planning poured into this project by a dedicated team of hundreds. As we cross this starting line, we are excited to watch VENOM redefine the boundaries of autonomous flight.”
The flight phase followed months of ground testing on aircraft engines and systems, as well as extensive simulator work dating back to 2024. Those tests verified the VENOM kit, host instrumentation, aircraft maintenance checks and overall aircraft airworthiness.
The early work has largely been conducted by developmental testers from the 40th Flight Test Squadron. The broader VENOM program is a collaborative effort between the 53rd Wing and 96th Test Wing, with support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
“This VENOM team learns from and finds ways to improve the program with each one of these flights,” said Michae Blaine, 40th FLTS VENOM program manager. “These continuous improvements ensure the aircraft are prepared, safe and ready to rapidly advance autonomous flight.”
VENOM is a joint DARPA and Air Force effort initiated under the Air Combat Evolution program. The aircraft will serve as a cornerstone for the next phase of AI development under DARPA’s Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements program.
