PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The U.S. Navy completed a second successful demonstration of multi-platform coordination for autonomous systems on December 11, 2025, at the Point Mugu Sea Range in California, marking progress toward Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) development. The effort, led by programs under Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) headquartered at Patuxent River, advances manned-unmanned teaming essential for future carrier air wing operations in contested environments.
Naval Air Systems Command’s Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons (PEO (U&W)) oversaw the event, with the Aerial Targets (PMA-208) and Strike Planning and Execution Systems (PMA-281) program offices directing technical aspects. Industry partners included Shield AI as lead systems integrator and mission autonomy provider using its Hivemind software, Kratos supplying the aircraft, and CTSI delivering mission planning and pilot-vehicle interface components.
Two BQM-177A subsonic aerial targets flew autonomously via Hivemind software within a Live Virtual Constructive (LVC) environment. This setup integrated a virtual F/A-18 as mission lead with two simulated adversary aircraft. The autonomous BQM-177As defended designated Combat Air Patrol locations, responding to simulated threats by executing mission tasking when adversaries approached.
Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, stated, “This demonstration is an important step toward advancing autonomous capabilities for the fleet. Integrating AI-enabled autonomy across manned and unmanned platforms will be critical as the Navy develops next-generation air wing concepts and prepares for more complex operational environments.”
The demonstration achieved a milestone in applying the Navy’s Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA) interfaces to enhance interoperability for future unmanned platforms. Veronica Wesson, PMA-281 special projects integrated program team lead, said, “The fact that this is the first time we’re flying a fully autonomous aircraft in execution of a mission beyond the visual range of the remote-control operator is laying the foundation for allowing autonomous mission planning in the future. Being able to accomplish all of this over only a 16-month period using the new agile methods of contracting was a great experience.”
This event followed an August 2025 demonstration validating foundational Advanced Vehicle Control Laws (AVCL) and basic autonomous behaviors on the BQM-177A. The use of surrogate platforms like the BQM-177A enables cost-effective, rapid testing and iteration, bridging simulations to live operations while accelerating autonomy development for CCA concepts.
PMA-208 and PMA-281, both under PEO (U&W) at NAVAIR’s Patuxent River headquarters, support delivery of advanced unmanned capabilities to the fleet. NAVAIR plans additional development and fleet exercises in 2026 and beyond to further mature these technologies.
The BQM-177A, a subsonic aerial target replicating modern threats, serves as a versatile test bed for autonomy integration. This approach supports broader Navy goals for scalable, affordable unmanned systems that extend manned aircraft reach and enhance operational effectiveness.