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US Navy demos autonomous control on Kratos BQM‑177s and integrates Collaborative Combat Aircraft with F/A‑18E/F and F‑35C

The U.S. Navy completed a second demonstration of autonomous flight‑control software on Kratos BQM‑177 target drones and ran trials familiarizing F/A‑18E/F and F‑35C pilots with Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The exercises advance carrier‑capable uncrewed‑fighter concepts and manned–unmanned teaming tactics for future carrier operations.

Discovered 2026-01-12T11:59:01.425931-08:00 | 2026-01-12T11:59:01.425931-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • Demonstrations validated autonomous flight‑control on Kratos BQM‑177 drones and pilot familiarization with Collaborative Combat Aircraft, signaling progress toward carrier‑capable uncrewed fighters and operational manned–unmanned teaming.
  • The trials build on recent pilot tablet control trials that tested F‑35 cockpit interfaces for commanding loyal‑wingman drones, advancing human‑machine interfaces and tactics.
  • The activity aligns with broader industrial momentum, including partnerships to accelerate CCA maturity and Kratos‑linked developments in the region (see Kratos/KAI collaboration context).

Reported By

Seapower Magazine USNI News asdnews.com FlightGlobal Aviation Week
Sources Tracked
5
First Seen
2026-01-12T11:59:01.425931-08:00
Latest Update
2026-01-14T20:17:09.299426-08:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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