F-16, F-15 Pilots Control XQ-58A Drones in U.S. Air Force Teaming Test

The U.S. Air Force has conducted a major flight test showcasing human-machine teaming by flying autonomous collaborative platforms (ACPs) alongside manned fighter jets during a training mission at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

In the recent demonstration, pilots operating an F-16C Fighting Falcon and an F-15E Strike Eagle each managed two XQ-58A Valkyrie drones in a real-time air combat scenario. The flight marked a step forward in integrating semi-autonomous systems into air combat, with the drones responding to commands and maneuvering in coordination with the crewed aircraft.

According to the U.S. Air Force, ACPs are designed to function in high-risk environments with flexible, cost-effective, and runway-independent operations. These drones operate semi-autonomously, serving as force multipliers that reduce pilot workload, increase situational awareness, and support mission success in contested airspace.

The flight was executed through a joint effort by the Department of Defense’s Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve program under the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The mission involved the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Test Center, Air Combat Command, and the U.S. Navy.

The data gathered from the exercise will support future development and operational use of autonomous and semi-autonomous air platforms. As the U.S. military modernizes its airpower strategy, ACPs are expected to play a critical role in delivering scale, operational agility, and tactical advantage.