US military equips F-16 fighter jet with AI control: First aircraft planned for 2028

At Edwards Air Force Base in California, the US military recently conducted the first official test flight of an AI (Artificial Intelligence) controlled fighter aircraft. Only a few selected media representatives, such as the Associated Press, were present. During the event, the Air Force made it clear that AI-powered aircraft will be the future of US American air defense.

Although the system has only completed two dozen real flights since its maiden flight in September 2023, the Secretary of the Air Force, Frank Kendall, took a seat in the aircraft as a passenger. This was possible because the software has learned rapidly in recent months and is already reportedly better than some human fighter pilots. Another F-16 with a real pilot also took part in the one-hour test flight. Both aircraft attempted to outdo the other into a vulnerable position for an attack. 

First machines to go into production soon

The AI used first learns with the help of a simulator and then tests its conclusions in real flight operations. These results are then transferred back to the simulator so that the AI can continue learning. So far, the USA appears to be the only country to use military aircraft controlled by AI in real operations. China, for its part, is also developing the technology. However, there is no evidence to date that the Chinese have been able to use this technology outside of a simulator. The US is nonetheless aware of the competition, and the Air Force is planning to launch the first unnamed aircraft as early as 2028. In total, a fleet of more than 1000 aircraft is planned. Kandall justified the plans by saying that it is now a security risk not to have such technology. However, some humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross warn that AI could make independent decisions about the use of weapons in the future. According to Kandall, the system will be monitored by humans at all times when weapons are used.  

The Air Force's decision to rely on AI instead of real people in the future has another reason: cost savings. As the Air Force has to keep a close eye on its budget following some major expenses, the plan is to build smaller and cheaper aircraft in the future. This will be possible if the pilot no longer has to be taken into account when designing the aircraft.