DARPA Advances AI Fighter Jet Program
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is pushing the boundaries of military innovation by taking its AI-driven fighter jet program to the next level. Imagine a scenario akin to Top Gun, but with the notable absence of human pilots. This concept is becoming a reality as DARPA continues to advance its autonomous pilot program, aiming to deploy aircraft in combat scenarios devoid of human control.
Recently, DARPA awarded a substantial contract amounting to 11.3 million dollars to Systems and Technology Research. This contract marks the beginning of the second phase of the Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements (AIR) program. The project focuses on developing AI algorithms capable of autonomous strategic execution in complex and dynamic environments. The contracted company has been tasked with utilizing existing sensor and weapon technologies to achieve the desired outcomes of the program.
The AIR initiative intends to harness "AI-driven tactical autonomy" to eventually launch unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) in air combat missions. This phase builds upon DARPA's prior Air Combat Evolution project, which had earlier successes such as enabling AI systems to pilot an F-16 aircraft in-flight and engage in simulated dogfights against human pilots. A significant milestone occurred when the AI defeated human pilots in virtual air battles.
Systems and Technology Research is the first to progress into this next phase, implying that it has met initial objectives, such as developing models that are both fast and precise, improving with accumulated data. Although defense titans like Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems played roles in the initial stage, it remains unclear if they will be part of this progressing phase. Notably, DARPA continues to aim high, focusing on enhancing UAV capabilities for the skies while also progressing in autonomous seafaring technologies.
In related endeavors, DARPA recently announced the launch of the USX-1 Defiant, a pioneering autonomous unmanned surface vessel, signaling its readiness for sea trials.
