The U.S. Navy demonstrated the manned-unmanned teaming capabilities of BQM-177s utilizing Protect AI’s Hivemind software program in a simulated CCA air fight state of affairs.
The Naval Air Methods Command (NAVAIR) introduced on Jan. 12, 2026, that the U.S. Navy accomplished a second profitable demonstration of the BQM-177A subsonic aerial goal geared up with Protect AI’s Hivemind software program in late 2025. The take a look at, carried out on Dec. 11 at Level Mugu Sea Vary in California, is a part of the service’s work in direction of the longer term fielding of Collaborative Fight Plane (CCA).
The disclosure of this demo follows the primary demonstration of the AI’s integration on the BQM-177 in August 2025, once more unveiled a month later. Notably, this additionally follows the latest announcement of the mixing of F-35s with CCAs within the Joint Simulation Atmosphere (JSE) coaching system.
Taking #AI to the Skies: The #Navy not too long ago accomplished a demo validating AI-enabled autonomy for future CCA. Utilizing Protect AI’s “Hivemind” software program, BQM-177As efficiently defended simulated airspace alongside a digital F/A-18.
🔗: pic.twitter.com/AX5ibcrsCZ
— NAVAIR (@NAVAIRNews) January 12, 2026
BQM-177 & Hivemind AI Second Demo
The brand new take a look at of the BQM-177 centered on maturing manned-unmanned teaming capabilities for CCAs and to advance the multi-platform coordination of autonomous techniques. The occasion was led by PEO (U&W)’s Aerial Targets (PMA-208) and Strike Planning and Execution Methods (PMA-281) program workplaces, along with business companions Protect AI, Kratos (the BQM-177’s producers), and CTSI (who offered mission planning and pilot-vehicle interface).
“This demonstration is a vital step towards advancing autonomous capabilities for the fleet,” stated Rear Adm. Tony Rossi, Program Govt Officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons (PEO (U&W)). “Integrating AI-enabled autonomy throughout manned and unmanned platforms can be important because the Navy develops next-generation air wing ideas and prepares for extra advanced operational environments.”
The press launch defined that “two BQM-177A subsonic aerial targets have been flown autonomously utilizing Protect AI’s Hivemind software program and related to a Stay Digital Constructive (LVC) atmosphere.” Within the LVC atmosphere have been additionally included “a digital F/A-18 and two simulated adversary plane, permitting actual and simulated property to function collectively in the identical state of affairs.”
As a part of the state of affairs, the digital F/A-18 was designated because the mission lead and directed the BQM-177As to defend designated Fight Air Patrol places. The autonomy software program then responded to the detection of the simulated adversary plane trying to fly into these designated areas, in accordance with the tasking assigned by the mission lead.
The state of affairs additionally made use of the Navy’s Autonomy Authorities Reference Structure (A-GRA) interfaces. A-GRA is a Division of Protection (DoD) framework designed to boost interoperability throughout autonomous navy platforms, additionally described as “key to enhancing interoperability and accelerating the mixing of mission autonomy throughout future unmanned naval platforms.”
“The truth that that is the primary time we’re flying a totally autonomous plane in execution of a mission past the visible vary of the remote-control operator is laying the inspiration for permitting autonomous mission planning sooner or later,” stated Veronica Wesson, PMA-281 particular initiatives built-in program staff lead. “Being capable of accomplish all of this over solely a 16-month interval utilizing the brand new agile strategies of contracting was a nice expertise.”
Why the BQM-177
The choice to make use of the BQM-177 subsonic aerial goal to check the mixing of autonomy software program has a effectively outlined purpose. In actual fact, as defined by the Navy, “the usage of surrogate platforms just like the BQM-177A permits for fast testing and enchancment, offering an economical various to operational platforms throughout early growth phases.”
With the service within the early phases of its Collaborative Fight Plane (CCA) program, a less complicated and “off-the-shelf” unmanned platform such because the BQM-177 enable to speed up the autonomy testing cycle and validate the platforms habits in real-world circumstances. The expertise gathered from these assessments will possible affect the conceptual design for a carrier-based CCA that Normal Atomics Aeronautical Methods and Anduril have been not too long ago chosen to develop.
On the identical time, these efforts additionally function an enchancment of the coaching worth the drone can supply. In actual fact, the BQM-177A is supposed to copy fashionable subsonic anti-ship cruise missile threats and help a variety of missions with its inside and exterior payload choices.
As a part of the primary demonstration in August 2025, the mixing of the primary autonomy parts allowed the BQM-177A to carry out extra superior maneuvers and nearer engagements, precisely simulating interactions with manned ships. As consequence, the extra threat-representative maneuvers carried out throughout whereas simulating sensible interactions with fleet property allowed to supply simpler take a look at and coaching situations for the personnel aboard the ships.
