The Air Force is developing pilotless AI-powered drones, known as collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), to act as a supplement to traditional fighter jets, raising questions surrounding the role of humans in conflicts waged with lethal autonomous weapons. The CCA program, which aims to build 1,000 to 2,000 drones at an affordable cost, represents a seismic shift in Air Force procurement, shifting the focus to software that can enhance weapon systems and opening opportunities for new technology firms to compete with traditional defense contractors.
The Air Force is requesting $5.8 billion to develop AI-driven XQ-58A Valkyrie aircraft, which are autonomous and ideal for suicide missions, but human rights advocates are concerned about the ethical implications of allowing technology to take lives.
The United States Air Force is seeking nearly $6 billion in funding to construct a fleet of XQ-58A Valkyrie drones, which will cost $3 million each and are intended to enhance the country's drone production in response to China's increasing weapon procurement efforts.
An algorithm-powered drone developed by researchers at the University of Zurich, called Swift AI, has beaten human world champions in a drone racing competition, marking the first time AI has defeated humans in a physical sport designed for humans. Swift AI won 15 out of 25 races and achieved the fastest lap on a 3D race course, making it a potential tool for search and rescue missions or inspections of large structures. However, experts believe the implications for military use may be limited.
The U.S. Air Force's development of an AI-run pilotless aircraft, the XQ-58A Valkyrie, has the potential to provide a cost-effective advantage in warfare, but raises ethical concerns about the deployment of such powerful technology.
The Pentagon is considering the development of an AI-powered fleet of drones and autonomous systems to counter the threats posed by China's military buildup and AI research efforts, with plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on the project.
Lockheed Martin and the University of Iowa have successfully demonstrated artificial intelligence-controlled mission capabilities using piloted aircraft, showcasing the potential for autonomous uncrewed systems to collaborate with crewed platforms in combat operations.
