In a significant stride toward integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into combat operations, the US Air Force achieved a major milestone last month. The Air Force’s X Q58A Valkyrie drone successfully completed a three-hour air combat exercise over the skies of Florida. What sets this accomplishment apart is the pivotal role played by an advanced AI agent, which controlled the Valkyrie during the exercise. Notably, this very AI agent had previously operated the Air Force’s extensively modified F16, known as the X62A Vista, in a series of air combat exercises just last December.
According to Air Force officials, the AI agent’s capabilities have matured significantly since its previous operation, attributed to the accumulation of countless hours of simulation time. This dynamic AI agent is central to Project Venom, an ongoing initiative at Eglin Air Force Base, which aims to integrate AI pilots into a fleet of six fully combat-equipped F16s. These F16s have been outfitted with advanced sensors and a comprehensive suite of combat systems, enhancing the AI agents’ access to critical data.
It is important to clarify that this AI advancement doesn’t involve the traditional concept of individual pilots maturing. Instead, this cutting-edge AI pilot simultaneously learns from the operations of all six aircraft, contributing to a unique and accelerated learning process.
One of the key aircraft in this AI-focused initiative is the Valkyrie drone, which boasts impressive specifications. With a range of 3000 miles, a service ceiling of 45,000 feet, and a payload capacity of 6000 pounds, these drones come at a cost of approximately $6 million each during low-rate production. Remarkably, experts predict that by scaling up production to around a hundred units per year, the cost per unit could potentially drop to as low as $2 million. This price point brings these drones within proximity of the cost of a single-use Tomahawk cruise missile. Unlike the latter, the Valkyrie drones offer the advantage of reusability and can be launched via rockets from stationary positions, eliminating the need for conventional runways.
These advancements align with the Air Force’s broader vision, epitomized by the Skyborg program. Despite its evocative name, the Skyborg program aims to deploy unmanned AI-enabled drone wingmen that can effectively operate alongside crewed fighter aircraft. This strategic approach not only enhances combat capabilities but also alleviates some of the cognitive demands on human pilots during combat situations.
Furthermore, the Air Force’s next-generation air dominance fighter and the Navy’s FAXX fighter, currently in active development, are expected to seamlessly integrate with these AI-equipped drone wingmen. This synergy is further underscored by the anticipated collaboration with the Block 4F35, a project that holds substantial promise.
In conclusion, the recent successful exercise of the Valkyrie drone, under the guidance of an advanced AI agent, marks a significant leap forward in the integration of artificial intelligence within the US Air Force’s combat operations. This progress not only bolsters combat effectiveness but also paves the way for a future where human and AI collaboration reshapes the landscape of aerial warfare.
