- According to the Associated Press, some AI-controlled fighter jets can outperform human pilots in dogfights.
- The magazine witnessed a one-hour test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
- The Air Force reportedly plans to have more than 1,000 unmanned combat aircraft equipped with AI.
The Associated Press reports that some AI-controlled F-16 fighter jets are already outperforming human pilots in dogfights.
The Associated Press reported the discovery after witnessing an hour-long test flight at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
During the flight, an AI-controlled F-16 called Vista flew at more than 550 mph with Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall on board.
Although AI systems are still in their infancy, some versions of the technology are learning so quickly that they can outperform pilots in air-to-air combat, the Associated Press reported.
Representatives for the U.S. military did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment outside of normal business hours.
The U.S. Air Force is actively researching AI, and AI is being cited as a technology that will transform military operations on a global scale.
Although the technology is not yet fully developed, the Associated Press reported that the force plans to field more than 1,000 unmanned combat aircraft equipped with AI. The first AI-controlled jet is expected to be operational by 2028, according to the report.
Kendall told the media that he had made enough observations during the test flight that he could trust the technology to decide whether to fire a weapon in war.
Industry experts and human rights activists have warned that using AI to make autonomous decisions during military operations could lead to errors and unintended casualties.
Recent reports suggest that Israel has been using AI to identify targets in its war against Hamas without extensive human oversight. IDF denied the allegations at the time in a statement to BI.