Artificial intelligence (AI) is firmly embedded in the realm of national security and shows no signs of fading away, as the U.S. Air Force demonstrates its ability to dominate airspace with the help of AI. In a video released by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Col. Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton stated, “We need to acknowledge the presence and significance of AI. It is an enduring and formidable tool.”
The AFRL, headquartered in Ohio, recently outlined plans for autonomous drones to act as wingmen for pilots in the future. This includes training AI on the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie experimental drone. The Air Force’s office of Strategic Development, Planning and Experimentation, in collaboration with the AFRL, is currently conducting an operational experiment to assess the training requirements for AI to operate aircraft.
Addressing the urgency and importance of embracing this new technology, Matthew “Rico” Niemiec, the experimentation lead, emphasized the need to determine the competitive advantage of autonomy and operationalize it for warfighters. The Air Force is currently focusing on maturing autonomy concepts through digital simulation and subsequently applying them to real-world scenarios.
“Evil” Bill Gray, the chief test pilot, highlighted the fact that running neural networks necessitates millions of training runs, which cannot be accomplished in a real aircraft but can be achieved in a simulator. Only after the technology is deemed mature enough in the simulation phase is it applied to flight tests, enabling pilots to operate hands-off.
The Air Force team recognizes the significance of conducting tests in controlled environments to gather crucial data, learn lessons, mitigate risks, and ensure the progress in the right direction. Lt. Col. Ben “Baja” Gilliland explained that one of the advantages of these tests is minimizing the risks faced by military personnel, ultimately reducing casualties and enhancing community well-being.
Jessica “Sting” Peterson, the group technician director, emphasized that the goal is to decrease the risks faced by military members, which would be a tremendous benefit. This is achieved by deploying AI and reducing the potential for mishaps and accidents.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall underscored the importance of embracing the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative, emphasizing the need to maintain an edge in high-powered technology. The Air Force Research Laboratory is actively conducting an autonomous aircraft experiment in line with this initiative.
The Air Force members involved in the experiment echoed the sentiment, stating that this technology will augment the survivability of human operators. They emphasized the need for collaboration between industry, academia, and the Department of Defense to protect national security interests against adversaries with different values.
In conclusion, AI’s role in protecting national security is here to stay, as showcased by the U.S. Air Force’s endeavors in airspace domination. By embracing AI and implementing it in autonomous aircraft, the Air Force aims to enhance the safety of its personnel and maintain a competitive advantage in the ever-evolving landscape of warfare.
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