DARPA and US Air Force begin AI-controlled F-16 flight tests under VENOM at Eglin AFB

DARPA and the US Air Force reportedly began flight tests of an F-16 modified to fly under artificial intelligence control as part of the VENOM program. The tests started on 16 July 2026 at Eglin Air Force Base, with a safety pilot able to take over at any time; the work is described as supporting future autonomous wingman/CCA UAV development.