Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall announced his intention to ride in the cockpit of an aircraft operated by artificial intelligence later this spring.

Speaking before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee’s defense panel, Kendall said the pivotal role of autonomously operated drones in shaping the future of the Air Force’s fleet.

During the committee hearing, Kendall revealed plans to board an F-16 aircraft that has been converted for drone flight, highlighting the Air Force’s commitment to integrating AI technologies into its operations.

This move comes as part of Kendall’s push to acquire over 1,000 AI-operated drones, marking a significant step toward modernizing the military branch’s capabilities.

Kendall expressed confidence in the autonomous technology, stating, “There will be a pilot with me who will just be watching, as I will be, as the autonomous technology works. Hopefully neither he nor I will be needed to fly the airplane.”

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AI-guided planes

The announcement follows the Pentagon’s initiative to develop new AI-guided planes, with contracts awarded to several private companies to compete in the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) project. This $6 billion program aims to bolster the Air Force’s drone fleet, providing support for human-piloted jets and enhancing overall operational capabilities.

Among the companies competing for the CCA project are industry giants such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, underscoring the significant investment and interest in AI-enabled defense technologies.

The adoption of AI-driven drones represents a strategic effort by the Pentagon to enhance military innovation and cost-efficiency.

By deploying AI-enabled autonomous vehicles, the military aims to achieve greater flexibility and effectiveness in combat scenarios while minimizing risks to manned aircraft.

While details regarding the appearance and capabilities of the AI-operated drones remain undisclosed, Kendall emphasized their potential to disrupt and counter sophisticated air defense systems, ultimately safeguarding national security interests.