GA-ASI Selected by U.S. Navy PMA-281 for CAMP Project

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[Photo © 2026 General Atomics][Photo © 2026 General Atomics]

CAMP Initiative To Demonstrate Advanced Mission Planning, AI Model Management, and Autonomy Workflows

SAN DIEGO – 20 April 2026 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) was selected by the U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) PMA-281 for the Collaborative Autonomy Mission Planning and Debrief (CAMP) project. The initiative will advance mission planning capabilities, AI model management, and autonomy workflows for Autonomous Combat Platforms, culminating in a government sponsored demonstration targeting a 2026 Fleet exercise.

The project will demonstrate the potential for extending PMA-281’s Mission Planning Software framework to support advanced autonomy operations, including behavioral tasking, Rules of Engagement (ROE) configuration, AI decision thresholds, and comprehensive mission debrief capabilities. The effort integrates with the Navy’s Joint Digital Autonomy Range (JDAR) and Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) to enable rapid testing and validation of autonomy-enabled mission profiles.

“This project demonstrates our commitment to delivering integrated mission planning and debrief solutions that enable effective human-autonomy teaming,” said Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs for GA-ASI. “By advancing collaborative autonomy workflows and leveraging government simulation environments, we’re providing the Navy with critical capabilities to rapidly test, evaluate, and deploy autonomous systems for complex operational missions.”

The CAMP project will demonstrate key capabilities on the MQ-20 Avenger® platform equipped with Government Reference Implementation (GRI) autonomy, Electronic Warfare (EW), and Infrared Search and Track (IRST) payloads. The initiative emphasizes robust communications architectures featuring Link 16, Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT), and Starlink satellite communications for resilient command and control.

In addition, this project advances operationally scalable autonomy by delivering enterprise mission planning, trusted AI governance, and accelerated digital validation to support Autonomous Combat Aircraft. By integrating secure AI model lifecycle management, human-centered oversight, and high-fidelity simulation environments, GA-ASI is enabling rapid capability iteration and seamless human-autonomy teaming.

The planned demonstration will showcase advanced mission planning and debrief capabilities for autonomy-enabled operations, integrated with Navy systems and evaluated in complex contested operational scenarios. The effort will highlight how mission planning software enables behavioral tasking, Electronic Warfare (EW) and Infrared Search and Track (IRST) employment, combat air patrol, and target engagement, with execution and coordination demonstrated via Link 16-enabled platforms including F/A-18 Super Hornets.

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Classification
Region
North America
Analytical Domain
Operational
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Military Operations / Weapons & Equipment
Subcategory
Airstrike
SALUTE Report
Size
Not specified
Activity
GA-ASI was selected for the CAMP project to advance mission planning capabilities and autonomy workflows for Autonomous Combat Platforms.
Location
San Diego
Unit
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)
Time
20 April 2026
Equipment
MQ-20 AvengerElectronic Warfare (EW)Infrared Search and Track (IRST)Link 16Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT)Starlink satellite communications
Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) was selected by the U.S. Navy for the CAMP project on April 20, 2026, to enhance mission planning and autonomy for Autonomous Combat Platforms. The initiative will culminate in a demonstration during a 2026 Fleet exercise, showcasing advanced capabilities on the MQ-20 Avenger platform, including Electronic Warfare and Infrared Search and Track systems. The project emphasizes robust communications and integrates with existing Navy systems for effective operational deployment.

Key Facts
  • GA-ASI selected by U.S. Navy for CAMP project.
  • Project aims to enhance mission planning and autonomy for combat platforms.
  • Demonstration planned for a 2026 Fleet exercise.
  • Integration with Navy's Joint Digital Autonomy Range and Joint Simulation Environment.
  • Key capabilities will be demonstrated on the MQ-20 Avenger platform.