Air Force to Test F-16s with AI 'Wingmen' by 2024 Under Project VENOM
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The US Air Force will test 6 F-16 fighter jets with autonomous software in 2024 under Project VENOM to create a fleet of drone wingmen.
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The goal is to have a fleet of over 1,000 low-cost, autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) that can fly alongside manned jets by 2028.
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The CCAs would conduct missions like electronic warfare, reconnaissance, being decoys, and carrying out strikes.
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The XQ-58A Valkyrie is another pilotless wingman aircraft powered by AI that the Air Force is developing.
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The CCAs are meant to boost air power against threats like China's anti-aircraft missiles without risking as many human pilots.