The Air Force is staking a significant portion of its future air combat capabilities on a fleet of over 1,000 independently operated drones, with plans for its top civilian leader to embark on one of these aircraft for an aerial journey later this spring.
During a discussion at the company’s 2025 budget hearing, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall disclosed his intention to pilot an F-16 for a helicopter flight to observe its performance firsthand.
“I will have a captain accompanying me, solely in an observational capacity, as we both witness the autonomous technology in action,” Kendall informed the Senate Appropriations Committee’s security panel. “Ideally, neither of us will need to intervene during the flight.”
The realm of drone warfare has swiftly evolved from a peripheral aspect of combat to a primary component. Automated systems pose a prevalent threat in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine. While Russian drones are utilized by ordinary Ukrainian civilians for reconnaissance purposes, they are also being employed to capture footage of Russian military positions. Groups supported by Iran, such as the Houthis, have frequently utilized advanced aerial, maritime, and submersible drones to target American military bases and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
The Air Force initiated the development of its fleet of Creative Combat Aviation (CCA) systems several years ago, envisioning scenarios where manned aircraft would coordinate with AI-driven drones, referred to as “loyal wingmen.”
Details regarding the scale or specific platform of the drone fleet remain undisclosed, including whether they will be full-scale combat aircraft or a different configuration. Kendall expressed his intent to assess the underlying technology of this prospective fleet through the upcoming F-16 test flight.
The design of these aircraft is tailored with potential conflicts involving China in mind, as advancements in air defense systems have made it increasingly challenging to deploy manned aircraft in close proximity. China has notably bolstered its anti-access capabilities. Drone aircraft are believed to enhance various missions such as surveillance and electronic warfare, augmenting the Air Force’s capacity to circumvent adversary defenses.
While the primary role of these aircraft was initially intended for air superiority missions, Kendall suggested that they possess versatility for diverse operational tasks.
Furthermore, Kendall highlighted the anticipated cost-effectiveness of the drone fleet compared to developing new manned fighter jets. Each drone is projected to cost approximately one-fourth to one-third of the current price of an F-35 fighter jet, estimated at around $20 million per unit.
About Tara Copp, AP
Tara Copp serves as a journalist covering Pentagon affairs for the Associated Press. Previously, she held the position of Pentagon bureau chief at Sightline Media Group.
