Nominal’s Software Speeds Naval Aviation Autonomy Testing for Future Combat Aircraft

Event summary

  • Nominal’s Core software supported a U.S. Navy flight test demonstration for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) on February 27, 2026.
  • The test involved two BQM-177A subsonic aerial targets powered by Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software.
  • Nominal Core enabled rapid ingestion and organization of flight telemetry, accelerating post-flight analysis.
  • The Navy plans additional flight tests to expand autonomy behaviors and mission complexity.

The big picture

The demonstration underscores the growing importance of software-driven testing in accelerating AI-enabled autonomy for military applications. As the U.S. Navy advances Collaborative Combat Aircraft programs, modern testing approaches like Nominal’s Core platform will be critical in maintaining technological advantage. The integration of autonomy into naval aviation represents a broader industry shift toward AI-driven warfighting capabilities, with implications for defense budgets and procurement strategies.

What we're watching

Testing Velocity
The pace at which Nominal’s software can reduce test cycle times for complex autonomy systems.
Scalability
Whether the Navy can sustain expanded autonomy behaviors across larger fleets.
Competitive Positioning
How Nominal’s role in autonomy testing positions it against traditional defense contractors.