In July, an experimental aviator and companion flew a plane with a range of 3,500 miles, equipped with missiles capable of targeting distant enemy locations, departing from the Florida panhandle.
The wingman in this scenario was not a human pilot but rather an artificial intelligence system that had undergone extensive training through numerous military simulations.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie embarked on a three-hour mission, marking the second flight of an AI-driven aircraft developed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, as reported by the Air Force.
Distinguished by its unique feature of not requiring a traditional runway for takeoff, the Valkyrie is launched into flight using a rocket engine, boasting a sleek design that enhances its stealth capabilities.
However, its most notable role lies in serving as a “loyal wingman,” a term coined in the military to describe autonomous combat aircraft that can collaborate with next-generation manned fighter and bomber planes.
While the Valkyrie has not yet engaged in real combat situations, its existence signifies a significant step towards integrating AI into warfare, potentially granting machines unprecedented levels of autonomy.
Colonel Tucker Hamilton, overseeing AI evaluation and activities for the Air Force, expressed optimism about embracing the future prospects of AI in combat during a demonstration video, emphasizing the evolving landscape of cooperative combat aircraft and autonomous capabilities.
Furthermore, recent advancements in AI technology within the military include the introduction of an AI-enabled design for an M1 Abrams tank by the Army in February and the unveiling of Project One Ship by the Navy in March, a new AI program leveraging machine learning to manage vast amounts of data collected daily by submarines.
Looking ahead, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks painted a futuristic picture of warfare during a speech in September, envisioning self-propelled, solar-powered aircraft equipped with sensor-equipped capsules for real-time data collection. These aircraft, along with ground pods, would serve to scout ahead and safeguard military personnel.
Hicks underscored the imperative to develop new AI technologies in response to the competitive landscape with China, highlighting the need for intelligent, cost-effective machines to counterbalance sophisticated adversaries.
Moreover, the transition to AI-driven systems is not only aimed at enhancing military capabilities but also at safeguarding human lives by reducing errors that could lead to accidents involving military aircraft.
Jessica Peterson, a civilian aircraft test engineer and director of the 412th Operations Group, emphasized the emotional impact of each life lost in aviation accidents, underscoring the importance of exploring future technologies that minimize risks to human personnel.
Ethical Concerns and Policy Implications
Despite the potential benefits of AI integration in military operations, there is growing apprehension among researchers and policymakers regarding the ethical implications of deploying AI-powered combat systems.
A statement endorsed by over 180 experts and public figures from the Center for AI Safety emphasized the global imperative to mitigate risks associated with AI-driven lethal weaponry.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called for a moratorium on “killer drones” at the Paris Peace Forum in 2018, echoing concerns about the ethical dilemmas posed by autonomous weapons.
However, Noah Greene, an AI safety project assistant at the Center for a New American Security, argued that while there are valid concerns about the unintended consequences of AI in warfare, human-operated systems also pose risks of errors and collateral damage.
The Department of Defense has taken steps to address these concerns by updating its directive on “Autonomy in Weapon Systems” to ensure that human judgment remains a crucial component in decisions involving the use of force.
Bill Marcellino, a senior social scientist at the RAND Corporation, highlighted the challenge of balancing the development of reliable AI systems with the ethical considerations, especially in the face of competitors like Russia and China who may not adhere to the same ethical standards.
Advancements in AI for Military Operations
While debates continue on the ethical implications of AI in warfare, the Department of Defense has prioritized the integration of AI into its daily operations to enhance efficiency and decision-making processes.
With a significant budget allocation for AI modernization in the fiscal year 2023, the defense department is investing in workforce development and data management to leverage AI technologies effectively.
Marcellino emphasized the transformative potential of AI in streamlining daily tasks and data analysis within the military, leading to cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
Through initiatives like the deployment of the Donovan AI system for real-time data processing and decision support, the Army aims to empower personnel with advanced AI capabilities to navigate the complexities of modern warfare effectively.
Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks underscored the importance of leveraging AI technologies to stay ahead in military innovation and adapt quickly to emerging threats, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity of the British military in envisioning and mastering future warfare scenarios.
