In the sweltering midday heat of California’s Edwards Air Force Base, a groundbreaking test flight marked a new chapter in military aviation history. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall experienced firsthand the capabilities of an AI-powered F-16, known as the X-62A VISTA. This experimental jet, controlled not by human hands but by artificial intelligence, engaged in dogfights with a human-piloted F-16. The encounter showcased a future where AI could dominate the skies.
During an AI and national security conference, Kendall voiced his confidence in AI’s role in warfare, stating, “Computers don’t get tired. They don’t get scared. They’re relentless.” His experience on May 2, 2023, left little doubt that AI could “generally speaking, do this job better than humans can do.” AI’s capability to handle large data sets and operate without the limitations of human pilots places it at the forefront of the next-generation combat.
The historical flight saw the AI-controlled F-16 perform complex maneuvers at speeds exceeding 550 miles per hour, subjecting Kendall to forces five times that of gravity. The AI demonstrated its proficiency by holding its own against a “very good” pilot with thousands of hours of experience, hinting at a future where AI might not only complement but also compete with human pilots.
Despite the excitement surrounding AI’s potential, ethical concerns loom large. The use of lethal autonomous robots in warfare raises questions about compliance with the laws of armed conflict and accountability. Kendall stressed that the Pentagon would adhere to these laws, but it must also figure out how to hold humans accountable for the actions of automated machines.
He emphasized that “at the end of the day, human beings are still responsible for creating, testing, and using these machines,” thereby assuring that compliance with international norms is a priority. This sentiment is echoed in the broader community, as the International Committee of the Red Cross has called for an urgent international political response to address the serious concerns of autonomous weapons making life-and-death decisions.
As adversaries may employ these weapons without regard for collateral damage due to operational advantage, the U.S. is determined to ensure its automated weapons do not cause more collateral damage “than necessary.” Kendall confidently stated, “We’re going to work really hard at it.”
The Air Force has set ambitious goals to integrate AI-controlled jets, with plans to operate a fleet of over 1,000 unmanned warplanes by 2028. The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program’s delays and cost overruns have made the development of smaller, cheaper AI-controlled jets a strategic and economic necessity.
The AI technology is developing at a rapid pace, with the VISTA jet, which is unique in its ability to learn from millions of data points in a simulator and then apply those lessons in real-world flights. No other country is known to have successfully transferred AI from simulators to actual test flights, placing the U.S. at the forefront of this technological evolution.
As the VISTA jet’s operators aim for a ready fleet by 2028, some AI programs are already outperforming human pilots in air-to-air combat. This technological stride is not only a demonstration of American innovation but also a necessity. “We have to keep running. And we have to run fast,” Kendall affirmed, recognizing the urgency of maintaining a competitive edge in the realm of AI warfare. As the United States Air Force forges ahead with AI, it is not only shaping the future of aerial combat but also redefining the very essence of airpower for the coming decades.
Relevant articles:
– AI-powered F-16 impresses ride-along SECAF in dogfight, Defense One
– AI-controlled fighter jet takes Air Force secretary on historic ride, Air Force Times
– An AI-controlled fighter jet took the Air Force leader for a historic ride. What that means for war, apnews.com
– AI-controlled F-16 takes US Air Force leader for high-speed ride – as he backs tech to launch weapons, Sky News