US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall recently flew in an AI-controlled F-16 over the California desert, stating that the future of air warfare will be reliant on autonomously operated drones. This development marks one of the most significant advancements in military aviation since the introduction of stealth planes in the early 1990s. Kendall visited Edwards Air Force Base to experience AI flight firsthand, comparing the necessity of incorporating this technology in air combat to a security risk that cannot be ignored.
The secret flight, known as Vista, was monitored by the Associated Press and NBC with the agreement to not report on the matter until the flight was complete due to security concerns. Kendall’s F-16 reached speeds exceeding 550 mph, exerting pressure on his body nearly five times the force of gravity. The AI-controlled F-16 engaged in maneuvers alongside a human-piloted jet, racing within 1,000 feet of each other, demonstrating impressive twists and loops that pushed their piloting capabilities to the limit.
Despite concerns over the use of AI in warfare, with many fearing machines may one day make critical life-and-death decisions without human intervention, Kendall assured that human oversight would always be in place when weapons are involved. The International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed reservations about autonomous weapons, emphasizing the urgent need for an international political response to mitigate the risks associated with AI-powered war machines. The Air Force is aiming to deploy over 1,000 AI-operated drones by 2028, with human-piloted jets operating alongside them.
The Pentagon has initiated the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) project, offering contracts to private companies to compete for the development of AI-guided planes. The project, part of a $6 billion program, aims to integrate at least 1,000 new drones into the Air Force, designed to provide support and cover for human-piloted jets during missions. The drones are envisioned to serve multiple purposes, including acting as scouts, providing communications hubs, and offering full weapons capabilities. Companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, and Anduril Industries are competing for the lucrative contract.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks highlighted the cost-cutting benefits of deploying AI-enabled autonomous vehicles, emphasizing their role in enhancing the agility and innovation of the US military. The strategic imperative behind investing in AI-driven drones is to prevent falling behind China, which has significantly advanced its air defense systems, posing a risk to manned planes during close proximity. Drones have the potential to disrupt these defense systems, either through jamming capabilities or providing crucial surveillance support to military crews engaged in operations.
