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US Military Conducts First Human vs AI Fighter Jet Combat Drill
(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Willis)
US Military Conducts First Human vs AI Fighter Jet Combat Drill
The US military has reported the world’s first known combat engagement between a human pilot and a fighter jet controlled by artificial intelligence (AI) in California. The drill, conducted over Edwards Air Force Base, involved two F-16 fighter jets flying at speeds of up to 1,200mph and engaging in aerial combat, commonly referred to as dogfighting.
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One of the jets was piloted by a human, while the other was a modified version of the F-16 known as the X-62A, or VISTA (variable in-flight simulator test aircraft). The AI algorithm controlling the X-62A utilizes machine learning, analyzing historical data to make real-time decisions during combat situations.
According to the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which oversaw the test, the use of machine learning in aerial combat has been extensively simulated on the ground for years. In 2020, AI agents successfully defeated human pilots in simulations, prompting the need for real-world testing.
During the test, pilots were present onboard the X-62A as a precautionary measure, but they did not need to intervene at any point during the dogfight, which occurred in September of the previous year and was disclosed recently. DARPA described the outcome as a “transformational moment in aerospace history,” although it did not disclose which aircraft emerged victorious.
Colonel James Valpiani, a commandant at the US Air Force test pilot school, highlighted the potential of machine learning in dangerous environments such as air-to-air combat, emphasizing its capacity to earn the trust of humans. He praised the X-62A as an exceptional platform for research and test advancements, emphasizing its role in preparing the next generation of test leaders.
Valpiani stressed the importance of safety, efficiency, effectiveness, and responsibility in advancing aerospace capabilities, citing the results of the X-62A ACE team’s efforts as a paradigm shift in the industry’s approach to AI integration.
The successful completion of the human vs AI fighter jet combat drill marks a significant milestone in the evolution of aerial warfare technology, showcasing the potential of machine learning to revolutionize military operations in the future.
