DARPA, U.S. Air Force fly AI-controlled F-16

DARPA and the U.S. Air Force have successfully conducted in-air testing of an AI-controlled F-16 fighter jet modified with the VENOM Autonomy Kit, demonstrating the ability to autonomously pilot a standard operational aircraft. The modification allows pilots to toggle between human and AI control, creating a safe testing environment for developing combat AI capabilities without altering the jet's core software. This milestone builds on previous autonomous dogfighting achievements and establishes a scalable platform for rapidly developing AI systems for the warfighter.