Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to play a crucial role in the dominance of airspace by the military, particularly the U.S. Air Force. In a video published by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Col. Tucker Cinco Hamilton emphasizes that AI is here to stay and is a powerful tool.
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), based in Ohio, has ambitious plans for autonomous drones to serve as wingmen to pilots in the future. This includes training AI on the Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie experimental drone. The AFRL’s agency of Strategic Development, Planning, and Experimentation is conducting operational research to determine the standard of AI training for aircraft.
According to Matthew Rico Niemiec, the experimentation lead, the Air Force needs to accelerate the determination of the competitive advantage of autonomy and operationalize it for the warfighter. The branch is currently developing autonomy concepts through digital simulation before applying them to real-life situations.
Running neural networks for AI training requires millions of training runs, which is not practical to do in a real airplane. However, it is possible in a simulator. Once the technology is deemed mature enough in simulation, it is applied to a formation test where pilots can effectively go hands-off. This allows for the exploration and demonstration of capabilities in a controlled environment, providing valuable data and lessons learned for system development.
The Air Force team recognizes the importance of safeguarding the lives of its personnel, as too many have been lost over the years due to mishaps and collisions. By reducing the risk to human operators, the adoption of AI technology would be a significant advancement for the military.
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall has stressed the importance of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aerial superiority initiative, stating that the U.S. will lose its edge if it does not act promptly. NGAD aims to enhance lethality and ensure survival, persistence, interoperation, and adaptability in highly contested operational environments.
The Air Force research members working on the project believe that AI technology will ultimately increase the survivability of their personnel. They emphasize the need for collaboration between industry, academia, and the Department of Defense to protect national interests against adversaries that do not share the same values.
In conclusion, the Air Force is embracing the potential of artificial intelligence to dominate airspace and increase the safety of its personnel. AI training in simulated environments will allow for the exploration and optimization of capabilities before applying them to real-world scenarios. The Next Generation Air Dominance initiative is seen as critical for maintaining the U.S.’s strategic advantage. Through collaboration and innovation, the Air Force aims to ensure the protection of national interests in an ever-changing global landscape.
