Could AI Pilots Be the Future of Warfare? Experts Weigh In

The U.S. Air Force has awarded contracts to five developers of AI systems for its unmanned jets, marking a significant shift from ground-based AI technology to airborne applications. These AI-powered, unmanned aircraft, known as “robot wingmen,” will fly alongside human-operated fighter jets as part of the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. The goal is to have 1,000 of these robot wingmen in the sky by 2030.

The recipients of the contracts for AI systems development remain undisclosed, but the aircraft will be manufactured by General Atomics and Anduril, who are developing prototypes.

The Uncertainty of AI in Warfare

“What if the technology gets it wrong? That’s what we’ll have to find out,” said Kurt Knutsson, also known as The CyberGuy, on Fox News Sunday. This uncertainty is unsettling for many experts and government officials worldwide, who worry about the legal and ethical implications of using AI in combat. However, others argue that AI could save lives by minimizing human involvement in dangerous situations.

The Necessity of AI in Defense

Knutsson emphasized the necessity of AI in warfare, noting that adversaries are also investing in AI technology. “The problem is we have to do it because our enemies around the world are also getting involved in AI with their warfare. So if we’re not ready to use this, then we’re in trouble,” he stated. The concept of an “AI arms race” between the U.S. and China has become a central theme in discussions about the advancement of generative AI technologies, despite facing its critics.

Criticisms and Concerns

A report by Brown University’s Watson Institute, published in April, challenges the arms race narrative. “[T]he arms race narrative has been propagated by Pentagon officials and tech leaders who stand to benefit from increased sales of high-tech weapon, surveillance, and logistics systems enabled by AI,” the report states. It warns that these myths and misperceptions could divert taxpayer funds towards research and development (R&D) projects that serve military rather than civilian needs.

The Relationship Between Tech and Defense

In recent years, there has been a growing collaboration between Silicon Valley and the U.S. military and intelligence communities. From 2019 to 2022, the Department of Defense and other agencies awarded major tech firms a total of $53 billion in contracts. This renewed closeness highlights the increasing integration of advanced technology in defense strategies and operations.