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Navy Will Install Auto-GCAS on Jets by 2027

The service plans to integrate collision-avoidance software into Super Hornets and Growler aircraft to enhance pilot safety.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Military

Isometric editorial illustration of a stylized aircraft wing floating above simplified geometric terrain, representing aviation safety technology.
The U.S. Navy will integrate Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System technology into its fleet of F/A-18 Super Hornets and Growler aircraft by 2028. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The United States Navy will begin installing Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (Auto-GCAS) technology on its F/A-18 Super Hornet fleet in 2027. A subsequent rollout of the safety system for the EA-18G Growler fleet is scheduled for 2028.

Why it matters

The system is designed to prevent Controlled Flight Into Terrain incidents, which can occur when pilots lose situational awareness. By automatically initiating recovery maneuvers, the software aims to reduce preventable flight mishaps and save lives.

The federal government allocated an $18 million budget in 2026 for the integration of this technology. This follows historical data showing Controlled Flight Into Terrain was responsible for 26% of Air Force aircraft losses and 75% of F-16 pilot fatalities.

The players

United States Navy

The maritime branch of the United States Armed Forces is responsible for maintaining naval aviation readiness and safety.

United States Air Force

The aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces pioneered the use of Auto-GCAS technology in its F-16 fleet.

Lockheed Martin

This global aerospace and defense company led the integration and testing of the Auto-GCAS system for the F-35 program.

The details

Auto-GCAS functions by integrating collision-avoidance software with autonomous decision-making tools, navigation data, and a digital terrain database. When the system detects an imminent collision, it commands a +5G pull and rolls the aircraft to a wing-level attitude to recover safely.

Timeline

  1. 2014: The Air Force began installing Auto-GCAS on its F-16 fleet.

  2. May 19, 2026: The cutoff date for reported Navy Class A flight mishap data.

  3. 2027: Installation of Auto-GCAS begins on Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets.

  4. 2028: Installation of Auto-GCAS begins on Navy EA-18G Growlers.

Political Context

Opponents of rapid military technological integration often cite the high costs of upgrading aging airframes that lack modern electronic controls. Critics argue that these legacy systems require extensive, expensive modifications that might be better spent on next-generation platforms.

The transition to automated safety systems marks a shift toward standardized risk mitigation across all naval flight operations. Taxpayers will see their funds directly applied to the procurement and software integration costs required to modernize the current fleet.

The takeaway

The deployment of Auto-GCAS represents a critical evolution in how the military uses autonomous software to assist human pilots in high-stress environments. By leveraging digital terrain data, the military aims to eliminate the most common cause of fatal aviation training accidents.

Further reading

For more information on defense technology and fleet readiness, visit the United States Military section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Simple Flying.

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Should the military prioritize retrofitting existing aircraft with safety technology to prevent avoidable accidents?