A test fighter jet that was run by artificial intelligence was sent into the air. The head of the Air Force, Frank Kendall, was in the front seat when it took off for a test flight.
Adding AI to the Air Force is the most important step forward in military aircraft in a long time. Even though the technology isn’t fully developed yet, they want to make 1,000 planes that can use AI.
There were a lot of top-secret tests at Edwards Air Force Base, which is where this one took place. A new test pilot has been teaching AI how to fly in battle, and Kendall has said that she likes the new technology.
Kendall said that not having it was dangerous. We have to have it now.”
Vista is the name of the AI-controlled F-16 that flew at over 500 miles per hour. Kendall said that he was sure that the technology would work in war after the flight was over. Besides that, he said that a person would always be there to watch over the technology.
A lot of people have strong opinions about this technology and AI in general. A lot of people are scared that it can’t be stopped and that it could be very dangerous for people in war.
The Red Cross Committee said this about the technology: “There are widespread and serious concerns about giving sensors and software the power to make life-and-death decisions.” They went on to say, “Autonomous weapons are a serious problem that needs an immediate, global political solution.”