USAF's F-16 to fly pilotless for first time in 2025
F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 96th Test Wing and 53rd under the VENOM-AFT. (Photo: US Air Force).
F-16 Fighting Falcon is currently passing through the developmental and operational testing phase under the VENOM-AFT programme.
The US Air Force (USAF) plans to conduct the first flight of a pilotless F-16 Fighting Falcon in 2025 as part of its effort to advance the use of autonomous capabilities in its aircraft fleet. The trials will be conducted under the Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model – Autonomy Flying Testbed programme (VENOM-AFT).
An official spokesperson for the service told Shephard that this effort is currently undergoing developmental and operational testing at the 96th Test Wing, in Eglin Air Force Base (Florida).
“The next step for the VENOM programme is to modify the F-16 aircraft into test platforms to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile]()
PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile
The memorandum of understanding signed also included a wider strategic plan to co-develop autonomous air systems for the Polish Armed Forces.
-
![NATO needs to plug its drone gap to meet modern warfare requirements]()
NATO needs to plug its drone gap to meet modern warfare requirements
Despite shared goals, NATO’s counter-uncrewed aerial system efforts remain fragmented, with parallel initiatives lacking a unified doctrine or integrated deployment strategy.
-
![Hybrid Air Vehicles secures first defence order for Airlander 10]()
Hybrid Air Vehicles secures first defence order for Airlander 10
The undisclosed customer, described as an “innovative defence contractor”, has reserved three Airlander 10 aircraft for military use.
