AP News

An AI-controlled fighter jet took the Air Force leader for a historic ride. What that means for war

An experimental orange and white F-16 fighter jet controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) conducted aerial combat maneuvers at Edwards Air Force Base, marking a significant milestone in military aviation's evolution toward AI technology. The jet, named Vista, performed high-speed maneuvers and engaged in dogfights with Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall aboard, showcasing AI's potential in combat situations. Kendall expressed confidence in the AI's ability to make decisions during warfare, including deploying weapons, despite ongoing concerns about the ethical implications of AI-controlled weaponry. The U.S. Air Force aims to develop an AI-enabled fleet of over 1,000 unmanned warplanes by 2028, driven by security, cost, and strategic advantages. This shift to AI technology aims to allow safer penetration of enemy airspace and more effective attacks, but ethical concerns remain about ceding life-and-death decisions to AI. The future of military aviation is poised to embrace AI for its potential benefits and challenges.