The U.S. Navy has trialled artificial intelligence-based autonomy on the BQM-177A subsonic aerial target during a recent demonstration in California, the UK Defence Journal understands.
The test, held on 5 August at Point Mugu Sea Range, involved two BQM-177As fitted with autonomy software developed by Shield AI. One air vehicle showcased Advanced Vehicle Control Laws (AVCL), a software layer enabling complex manoeuvres from high-level mission commands, while the other incorporated additional autonomous behaviours.
Greg Crewse, programme manager for the Aerial Targets programme (PMA-208), said in the Naval Air Systems Command release that “the team has successfully demonstrated Advanced Vehicle Control Laws (AVCL) while adding some autonomy elements on our BQM-177A aerial target. When fully integrated, this capability will enhance the BQM-177A’s ability to execute more threat-representative manoeuvres and simulate realistic interactions with fleet assets, providing more effective test and training scenarios for the Warfighter.”
The BQM-177A, produced by Kratos, is designed to replicate modern subsonic anti-ship cruise missile threats and supports a variety of payloads for developmental and operational testing. Integration of AVCL is intended to enable more advanced manoeuvres and closer engagements with fleet units.
Captain Todd Keith, programme manager for Strike Planning and Execution (PMA-281), said: “This is a significant step in demonstrating how the Navy can plan and execute missions with a combination of manned and unmanned aircraft. The use of a combination of virtual and low-cost live air vehicles allows us to evaluate the effectiveness of multi-platform missions at a fraction of the cost of a full-scale live exercise.”
The Navy awarded a contract to Shield AI in August 2024 to integrate its Hivemind AI pilot software into the BQM-177A. Hivemind enables real-time decision-making, route planning and manoeuvring without remote control, and is designed as an open, modular platform for wider use across U.S. Department of Defense systems.
According to Naval Air Systems Command, a second demonstration is planned later this year, with up to two BQM-177As flying simultaneously to test coordination, mission planning and human-machine interaction.
Presumably, the AI has been trained in self defence. Let’s hope it doesn’t work out who is controlling the systems trying to shoot it down.