Air Force Secretary Takes Control of an AI-Equipped F-16 Jet in Flight

In a significant step towards the future of warfare, an F-16 fighter jet controlled by artificial intelligence (AI), named Vista, recently took part in a trial that lasted for an hour. The trial, which saw Vista racing and maneuvering against a human-piloted F-16, marked a milestone in the growing interest of the U.S. military in AI and its potential to revolutionize military aircraft.

The shift towards AI-supported military aircraft is driven by several factors, including safety, cost, and strategic capabilities. The U.S. military's interest in artificial intelligence is particularly driven by financial considerations, given the significant costs associated with its current fleet of expensive, piloted fighter jets. The F-35 strike fighter, the most expensive weapons program in history, has been plagued by delays in production and cost overruns, with the estimated cost of the program reaching $1.7 trillion.

During the trial, Vista performed maneuvers at a speed exceeding 885 km/h, subjecting the AI to forces equivalent to five times the force of gravity. Kendall, the individual overseeing the trial, stated that he had seen enough during the flight to entrust this still-learning AI with the decision to use weapons in real combat situations. However, it's important to note that human oversight will always be maintained in the system.

The trial, which saw the two aircraft weaving and twisting in an attempt to force the hypothetical opponent into vulnerable positions, could allow U.S. air forces to penetrate airspace with minimal risk to pilots' lives. Future conflict scenarios envision swarms of American unmanned aircraft conducting preemptive strikes on enemy defenses.

However, the U.S. is not alone in this pursuit. China's air force is approaching parity with the U.S., and China is also amassing a fleet of unmanned aircraft. The current fleet of expensive, piloted fighter jets could be vulnerable in a potential conflict due to advancements in radio-electronic warfare, space, and air defense systems on both sides.

While the trial involving an F-16 controlled by artificial intelligence is a significant step forward, there is no publicly available information about the pilot's name who allowed the AI to take control. Regardless, the development of AI in military aircraft is likely to continue, shaping the future of air combat in unprecedented ways.