KC-135

Refueling tanker was not brought down by hostile or friendly fire, according to CENTCOM.

Company will lend its expertise to the military’s development of an autonomy government reference architecture.

Partners are targeting the Air Force’s Center Console Refresh program for the first integration of their combined system.

Under a new contract, the company will develop an automated flight plan system that can be integrated across current and future tankers.

Autonomous flight developer says it will begin flying the converted Boeing 707s with Merlin Pilot, an AI-driven robotic flight system, in 2025.

Company says the first flights gathered data on how to design and fine-tune the robotic controls.

Company engineers observed pilots as they performed a variety of tasks, collecting data to identify where automation can be most helpful.

U.S. F-35s and a KC-135 Stratotanker participate in the aerial drill with NATO’s E-3A surveillance aircraft.

In-flight demonstrations will take place in the next year, starting with a series of basic air refueling operations, the company said.

Six fighter squadrons have deployed to the Middle East since October 7 as part of U.S. deterrence efforts in the region.