However, the use of AI in warfare has sparked controversy, with arms control experts and humanitarian groups expressing concerns about the potential for AI to autonomously drop bombs without human consultation. Despite these concerns, Kendall assured that there will always be human oversight when weapons are used. The shift towards AI is also seen as a cost-saving measure, with AI-controlled unmanned jets being smaller and cheaper than traditional manned fighters.
Key takeaways:
- The U.S. Air Force is planning for an AI-enabled fleet of more than 1,000 unmanned warplanes, with the first of them operating by 2028.
- Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has expressed confidence in AI's future role in air combat, stating that it's a security risk not to have it.
- There are concerns about AI's potential to autonomously drop bombs without human consultation, but Kendall assured there will always be human oversight when weapons are used.
- The shift to AI-enabled planes is driven by security, cost, and strategic capability, with the expectation that smaller and cheaper AI-controlled unmanned jets are the way forward.