An AI-powered fighter jet took the Air Force's leader for a historic ride. What that means for war?

Under the scorching midday sun, an experimental F-16 jet, adorned in vibrant orange and white hues, took flight with a familiar thunderous roar that resonates with the essence of U.S. air dominance. Yet, the ensuing aerial ballet unfolded unlike any other: this F-16 was under the command of artificial intelligence, relegating human pilots to mere spectators. Accompanying this futuristic flight was Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, positioned in the cockpit's front seat.

The integration of AI stands as a monumental leap in military aviation, rivaling the significance of stealth technology's advent in the early 1990s. Embracing this frontier, the Air Force ambitiously steers its course. Despite AI's ongoing development, plans are underway for a formidable fleet comprising over 1,000 unmanned warplanes, the vanguard expected to be operational by 2028.

The choice of venue for this aerial spectacle, Edwards Air Force Base, resonates with historical significance. It's a sprawling desert expanse where Chuck Yeager defied the sound barrier, and where the military has nurtured its clandestine aerospace breakthroughs. Within classified chambers and simulators shielded against prying eyes, a new breed of test pilots is honing AI entities for combat. Kendall's presence underscores the Air Force's confidence in AI's prospective role in aerial warfare.

Reflecting on the flight, Kendall emphasized the imperative of AI integration for national security. However, this sentiment isn't without its detractors. Concerns loom regarding the potential relinquishment of life-and-death decisions to algorithms, prompting calls for stringent regulations from humanitarian organizations and arms control experts.

The shift towards AI-enabled aircraft is propelled by multifaceted considerations encompassing security, cost-effectiveness, and strategic efficacy. In a hypothetical confrontation with China, for instance, traditional manned fighters would face vulnerabilities amidst advancements in electronic warfare and air defense systems. As China expands its air force and unmanned weaponry, the U.S. envisions a future where swarms of unmanned aircraft execute precision strikes, mitigating risks to human pilots.

Notably, the development of AI-controlled jets like Vista places the U.S. in a league of its own. While China boasts AI capabilities, it has yet to transcend simulated environments for real-world testing. The iterative process of learning from actual flights imbues AI systems with invaluable experience, a facet unattainable within the confines of a simulator.

Although AI's ascendancy signals potential changes in the pilot landscape, it also underscores the necessity for relentless advancement. As Kendall aptly summarizes, in this race for technological supremacy, there's no room for complacency.