News report says they are starting with three jets now with more to follow.
https://www.eglin.af.mil/News/Artic...e-to-be-modified-for-autonomous-testing/

Quote
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - The 96th Test Wing and 53rd Wing welcomed the first three F-16 Fighting Falcons ready to take part in the Viper Experimentation and Next-gen Operations Model – Autonomy Flying Testbed program.

VENOM-AFT is designed and funded to accelerate testing of autonomy software on crewed and uncrewed aircraft. VENOM-AFT complements the Autonomy Data and AI Experimentation proving ground at Eglin and informs the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program and other autonomy developers.

USAF has been working toward a drone wingman tech for a while. One F 35 with a few drones out in front a few miles to take all the risks.

What could go wrong?

If you can not find a USAF pilot willing to drop bombs on American Citizens, just send a drone to do it.

People who choose to brew up their own storms bitch loudest about the rain.