Lockheed Martin has successfully demonstrated an AI-enabled autonomous fighter capability through a series of flight tests with the US Air Force Test Pilot School (TPS), proving that artificial intelligence can use live onboard sensor data to autonomously conduct tactical air intercept missions.
The flight test campaign used the X-62 Variable In-flight Simulation Test Aircraft (VISTA) to validate the integration of AI, operational sensors, and autonomous flight control in a realistic combat environment. Over eight test flights, the aircraft completed 27 AI-controlled intercepts against a live T-38 target aircraft, demonstrating the ability of AI to make tactical decisions based on real-time battlefield information.
A key objective of the programme was to prove that AI could move beyond simulated environments and operate using live sensor inputs generated during flight. To achieve this, the X-62 was equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Legion Pod®, an infrared search and track (IRST) system that continuously monitored the target aircraft and supplied real-time data to an onboard AI agent.
Using the sensor information, the AI system independently analysed the target’s position and flight path before autonomously manoeuvring the aircraft into an effective intercept position. The demonstration validated the complete sensor-to-action process, from data collection and AI decision-making to autonomous aircraft control.
Lockheed Martin said the programme also showcased the rapid development of its Supermassive AI framework, with engineers completing software integration, ground testing and flight validation within just three months. The accelerated timeline is intended to support faster deployment of AI capabilities across future defence platforms.
The demonstration forms part of an ongoing collaboration between Lockheed Martin and the US Air Force Test Pilot School to expand the use of AI and autonomous technologies in military aviation while evaluating their performance in operationally relevant scenarios.
“Our ongoing partnership with TPS is driving important progress with this latest flight test series demonstrating that our AI can effectively and reliably close the sensor-to-action loop aboard an operational combat aircraft,” said Ron Fehlen, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®.
He highlighted, “Our autonomous agents consumed classified infrared search and track feeds and executed combat-critical maneuvers in real time. This achievement marks a decisive advance toward delivering AI-augmented air dominance for the United States.”
According to Lockheed Martin, integrating AI with advanced sensing technologies enables autonomous systems to assume complex operational tasks, allowing pilots to focus on mission planning, tactical decision-making, and threat management while enhancing overall mission effectiveness.
“Our ability to provide reliable sensor data is critical, but the real advantage comes when that data can connect seamlessly with AI to take action,” said Stacy Kubicek, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Sensors and Global Sustainment.
“This project demonstrates how sensing and autonomous AI can come together as a force multiplier to make faster, more informed action in complex environments”, she added.
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Looking ahead, the company plans to use the results of the programme to support the upcoming X-62 Mission Systems Upgrade, which will integrate advanced combat systems, onboard sensors and AI-enabled autonomous agents within a next-generation mesh network. Lockheed Martin said the upgrade will further expand the aircraft’s role as a testbed for evaluating future autonomous air combat technologies.
The successful demonstration represents another step in the evolution of AI-enabled military aviation, providing a framework for future autonomous combat aircraft capable of processing real-time sensor data, adapting to changing operational conditions, and supporting next-generation air superiority missions.
