Navy drones operated beyond visual range in California test, marking key milestone toward carrier-based autonomous jets
The U.S. Navy is moving closer to fielding autonomous fighter jets after completing tests last month in which artificial intelligence software successfully commanded drone aircraft in defensive combat scenarios without human intervention.
Two modified target drones flew combat air patrol missions at Point Mugu Sea Range in California during December exercises, defending designated airspace against simulated intruders while operating beyond the visual range of ground-based controllers. The demonstration marked the Navy’s second major trial of autonomous fighter technology using Shield AI’s Hivemind control system.
Navy officials described the test as a critical advancement toward integrating uncrewed jets into carrier air wings. The service used Kratos BQM-177 subsonic aerial targets equipped with autonomous flight controls rather than expensive operational aircraft, allowing rapid experimentation at lower cost.
The California exercise employed an innovative approach that blended real and digital assets. A simulated Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet acted as mission commander, issuing orders to the physical drones through a networked system that linked virtual and actual aircraft. When two simulated adversary planes attempted to penetrate protected zones, the BQM-177s independently maneuvered to counter the threats based on their assigned defensive parameters.
“This demonstration is an important step toward advancing autonomous capabilities for the fleet,” said Rear Admiral Tony Rossi, the Navy’s program executive officer for unmanned aviation and strike weapons.
The ability of the drones to operate without direct visual oversight represents a significant leap in autonomous aviation, Navy officials said. Traditional remotely piloted aircraft require constant monitoring by human operators who maintain line-of-sight control or video feeds.
Testing with repurposed target drones allows the service to validate software and tactics before committing to full-scale production aircraft, according to Navy statements. The BQM-177A platform provides a cost-effective testbed during early development phases.
Rossi said the California trials will inform more sophisticated future demonstrations and help shape operational concepts for next-generation carrier strike groups.
The Navy’s autonomous fighter initiative reflects broader Pentagon efforts to field artificial intelligence-controlled combat aircraft. The Marine Corps awarded a contract last week for its first uncrewed fighter based on the Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie design, with Northrop Grumman providing mission systems. The Air Force is simultaneously evaluating three competing autonomous fighter prototypes from General Atomics, Anduril Industries and Northrop.
Recent Navy exercises have also seen F-35 pilots working in flight simulators to develop tactics for commanding uncrewed wingmen, laying groundwork for manned-unmanned teaming operations.
The service plans additional autonomous aircraft exercises in 2026 as it advances toward prototype carrier-capable uncrewed fighters. Shield AI’s Hivemind software has gained traction across multiple military aviation programs, including Air Force trials using modified F-16 fighters to test AI combat algorithms.
The Hivemind system has demonstrated capacity to adjust to opponent maneuvers and devise unconventional tactics independently, according to Shield AI. The San Diego-based company unveiled its own tactical jet design in 2025, the X-Bat, featuring vertical takeoff and landing capabilities.
Military aviation experts say autonomous fighters could supplement manned aircraft on carrier decks within the next decade, potentially reshaping naval air combat doctrine. The technology promises to extend the reach of carrier strike groups while reducing risk to human pilots in high-threat environments.
Key Takeaways
- The Navy conducted successful autonomous fighter trials in December 2025 at Point Mugu Sea Range, where AI-controlled Kratos BQM-177 drones performed combat air patrol missions beyond visual range of human operators.
- The demonstration used networked simulation technology linking a virtual F/A-18 mission commander with physical drones that independently responded to simulated threats in protected airspace.
- Navy officials characterized the testing as foundational work toward carrier-based uncrewed fighters, with additional exercises planned for 2026 as the service develops prototype designs.All U.S. military services are pursuing autonomous fighter programs, with the Marine Corps recently contracting for an uncrewed jet and the Air Force testing three competing designs.
