American military innovation just reached a pivotal milestone as Air Force test pilots successfully demonstrated AI-controlled fighter jets autonomously evading incoming missiles—a breakthrough that positions the United States at the forefront of autonomous combat technology while adversaries race to catch up.
Story Highlights
- Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works successfully tested autonomous AI executing defensive missile evasion maneuvers on a modified F-16 fighter jet at Edwards Air Force Base in late 2025
- The “Have Remy” project completed over 100 test flights, with AI pulling nearly 6g maneuvers at speeds above 0.8 Mach, all trained through billions of simulated missions
- Air Force Test Pilot School students directly shaped AI training and evaluation, demonstrating rapid “Fly-Fix-Fly” development cycles completed in hours rather than months
- This marks the first time Lockheed Martin deployed tactical AI with direct aircraft control, validating a new era of human-machine teaming for American air superiority
Breaking Ground in Autonomous Air Combat
Lockheed Martin’s legendary Skunk Works division achieved a historic first in late 2025 when its autonomous AI software successfully controlled an X-62A VISTA fighter jet through defensive maneuvers designed to evade simulated incoming missiles. The test, conducted at Edwards Air Force Base in California, represents the first deployment of tactical AI with direct aircraft control on the experimental platform. O.J. Sanchez, vice president and general manager of Skunk Works, announced the results on February 23, 2026, at the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air Warfare Symposium. The achievement demonstrates America’s commitment to maintaining technological superiority in an increasingly dangerous world where adversaries continuously seek military advantages.
Air Force test pilots used tactical AI to evade a missile – Defense One https://t.co/22riKJeOgg
— Eiji Sasahara 笹原英司 (he/his) (@esasahara) February 25, 2026
Rapid Development Through American Innovation
The Have Remy project showcased a revolutionary development methodology that compressed timelines from years to hours. Using Skunk Works’ Supermassive simulation engine, engineers trained the AI through billions of simulated missions, enabling rapid iteration cycles that updated autonomous capabilities almost instantly. Air Force Test Pilot School students weren’t mere observers—they actively defined realistic missile evasion scenarios requiring split-second decisions and three-dimensional maneuvering at the aircraft’s performance limits. This collaborative approach between defense contractors and military personnel exemplifies the innovative spirit that has kept America ahead of global competitors. The “Fly-Fix-Fly” methodology allowed real-world performance data to feed directly back into simulation for immediate refinement, achieving validation across over 100 test points.
Performance That Proves American Excellence
The AI system delivered impressive combat-relevant performance during testing, executing defensive maneuvers pulling just under 6g while maintaining minimum speeds of 0.8 Mach. These parameters reflect realistic tactical scenarios where pilots face incoming threats requiring immediate evasive action. The X-62A VISTA, a modified F-16 equipped with high-performance computing systems and advanced sensors, provided the perfect testbed for validating autonomous capabilities. The successful sim-to-real transfer across all test points confirms that virtual training translates reliably to actual flight operations. This capability addresses a critical national security need: enhancing pilot survivability against increasingly sophisticated enemy missile systems deployed by nations seeking to challenge American air dominance.
Strategic Implications for National Defense
This breakthrough positions the United States to maintain air superiority as autonomous systems become central to future combat operations. Lockheed Martin emphasized its ability to develop and test tactical AI while maintaining real-time monitoring, understanding, and control of autonomous agents—addressing legitimate concerns about machine decision-making in combat. Sanchez confirmed Have Remy represents “an initial test” with plans for expanded sensor integration and continued human-machine teaming development. The project establishes precedent for AI making split-second tactical decisions in high-stress environments, potentially expanding to other combat functions. While some worry about autonomous weapons systems, this controlled approach demonstrates responsible development that keeps humans in oversight roles while leveraging technology to protect American servicemembers from enemy threats.
The successful demonstration also sends a clear message to adversaries: American defense innovation continues accelerating while maintaining the safety protocols and ethical frameworks that distinguish our military from authoritarian regimes. The partnership between Skunk Works and the Air Force Test Pilot School created a model potentially applicable across future autonomous system programs, ensuring military operators shape technology development from conception through deployment. As threats from nations like China and Russia intensify, maintaining technological edges like autonomous defensive capabilities becomes essential for deterrence and operational success. This achievement represents not just technological progress but a commitment to protecting American pilots through superior innovation.
Sources:
Skunk Works Tests Missile-Evading AI On X-62A – Aviation Week
Flying Tactical AI: From Classroom to Cockpit – Lockheed Martin
