One notable incident in 1983 saw an Israeli Air Force F-15D return to base safely despite losing a significant portion of its right wing after a mid-air collision with an A-4 Skyhawk.
The U.S. Air Force is advancing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities within its ranks by incorporating AI pilots into F-16 combat aircraft as part of DARPA's Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program.
AI Flew X-62 VISTA During Simulated Dogfight Against Manned F-16. While safety pilots were onboard at all times, the AI agent successfully demonstrated it could safely conduct AI versus human within-visual-range engagements.
Before flying the Viper operationally, pilots have to get through the nine-month B-Course which provides them with the Initial Qualification Training on the F-16.