Air Force Secretary Soars in AI-Controlled F-16, Marking Milestone in Aviation

In a historic flight, U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall took to the skies in an AI-controlled F-16 jet, demonstrating the potential of artificial intelligence in military aviation and signaling a new era in warfare.

In a groundbreaking moment for military aviation, U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall embarked on a history-making flight in an AI-controlled F-16 fighter jet on May 3, 2024. The flight, conducted at Edwards Air Force Base in California, represented a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into combat operations.

Prior to the flight, Kendall had expressed his intention to personally experience AI-controlled aircraft capabilities during a meeting with the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee's defense panel. On Friday, he followed through with his plans, potentially marking one of the most significant advancements in military aviation since the introduction of stealth planes in the early 1990s.

Kendall's flight in the AI-enabled X-62A VISTA aircraft took place over the desert terrain of Edwards Air Force Base, where Chuck Yeager once broke the sound barrier. The AI system controlled the aircraft through complex maneuvers, reaching speeds of over 550 mph and subjecting Kendall to forces of nearly five times the force of gravity.

Throughout the flight, Kendall was accompanied by a human-piloted F-16 aircraft, with the two jets engaging in simulated combat maneuvers. The AI-controlled VISTA displayed remarkable precision and agility, engaging in high-speed chases and evasive maneuvers, forcing its opponent into vulnerable positions.

After the flight, Kendall expressed his confidence in the AI technology, stating that he witnessed firsthand its ability to make informed decisions regarding weapon deployment during wartime. However, he emphasized that human oversight would remain paramount in all operations involving lethal force.

The Air Force plans to develop an AI-enabled fleet of over 1,000 drones, with the first expected to be operational by 2028. The integration of AI aims to enhance the capabilities of USAF operations, providing a cost-effective and efficient means of conducting surveillance, defense, and combat missions.

In August 2023, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks emphasized the potential of AI-enabled autonomous vehicles, stating that they would provide "small, smart, cheap, and many" units to the US military, bolstering its innovation capabilities.

The development of AI-controlled aircraft also aims to address concerns about China's rapidly modernizing air defense systems, which pose a significant threat to manned aircraft. Drones could be used to disrupt defense systems, providing surveillance and jamming capabilities for human-piloted aircraft.

However, the use of AI in military operations has raised ethical concerns among arms control experts and humanitarian groups. They express apprehension about the potential for AI to make autonomous decisions that could result in human casualties. The International Committee of the Red Cross has called for greater restrictions on the use of autonomous weapons, emphasizing that they demand an urgent international political response.

Despite these concerns, the Air Force maintains that human oversight will always be present in weapon deployment decisions. The integration of AI into military aviation represents a significant leap forward for the USAF, but the careful consideration of ethical implications and international agreements will be essential to ensure responsible and accountable use of this technology.