- The U.S. Air Force is testing AI-powered F-16 jets in combat training scenarios.
- Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall conducted the historic test flight Thursday.
- In some combat scenarios, AI-equipped jets can outperform human pilots, the Associated Press reported.
The U.S. Air Force conducted a historic test flight of its AI-powered autonomous fighter jet, the X-62A VISTA, on Thursday.
The flight over Edwards Air Force Base included Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall in the cockpit and several combat training and dogfight scenarios, according to the Associated Press. The paper reported that the AI-powered aircraft, which has flown about 24 times since trials began in September, is beginning to outperform human pilots in some scenarios.
The Associated Press reported that on Thursday's flight, an X-62A VISTA plane was “nearly nose-to-nose” with a human-piloted F-16, flying within 1,000 feet of each other at speeds of more than 550 miles per hour.
While humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concerns about trusting AI-equipped aircraft with life-and-death decisions, Kendall said AI is already reshaping global war strategies, whether we like it or not. He emphasized that it is happening.
“It's a safety risk not to have it. At this point, we have to have it,” Kendall told The Associated Press after landing.
The US Air Force is betting big on AI, investing in a fleet of 1,000 unmanned drones to carry out riskier maneuvers than manned aircraft, with first operations expected in 2028, the Associated Press reports. has been done.
The Associated Press reported that pilots at Edwards Air Force Base know AI-powered aircraft could soon replace them, but if the U.S. doesn't have its own autonomous squadron, the Air Force He pointed out that the warriors are reluctant to face off against an enemy with AI capabilities. .
“We have to keep running, and we have to run fast,” Kendall told The Associated Press after Thursday's flight.
The Air Force did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment.