US Air Force to Test Fly AI-Controlled F-16s, Investing Heavily in Autonomous 'Wingman' Drones to Maintain Advantage Over China
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The US Air Force is converting 3 F-16 fighter jets to be fully AI-controlled as part of an autonomous aircraft test program called VENOM.
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Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall plans to fly in one of the AI-controlled F-16s later this year to demonstrate the technology, with a human pilot present as backup.
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The Air Force has invested heavily in developing autonomous aircraft over the past 5+ years, requesting $6 billion in 2023 to build a fleet of advanced drones.
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The goal is to develop AI "wingman" drones that can fly alongside piloted aircraft and take on tasks like targeting enemies, relaying communications, etc.
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China is rapidly developing its own combat drones and other advanced technologies, presenting an unprecedented economic and technological rival to US dominance.