What is first AI-powered fighter jet that took off over..., it is developed by..., not US, China, UK, Japan, it can change...
A Swedish Gripen E fighter jet roared through the sky, slicing through the air above the Baltic Sea in May this year. This was a historic flight, as there was no one sitting in the cockpit. The fighter jet flew on its own, just like a Hollywood movie. During the test flights conducted in May and June, the jet soared through the sky with no pilots and was controlled by AI software developed by a defence startup, Helsing. However, a safety pilot sat in the cockpit as a precautionary measure, but didn't need to intervene. This was a milestone for the Munich-based defence tech company. This could be a potential turning point.
Senior director at Helsing Stephanie Lingemann termed the shift 'revolutionary'. While addressing a gathering at the company's Munich office, she said the company's Centaur AI system has gained experience equivalent to one million flight hours in 72 hours. This is 100 times what a human pilot could gain in their entire career. Is The Autonomous Jet Fighter Era Upon Us?
These flights represent an edge in the growing global race to develop uncrewed fighter jets. Armies across the world including – the US, China and Russia are trying to develop AI-powered jets
Although the concept of self-directed aerial warfare has seen periods of both enthusiasm and disinterest since the Cold War, the current situation feels unique. The conflict in Ukraine has spurred European defense spending and increased investment in adaptable, fast-acting AI systems for military applications. Why AI-Powered Fighter Jets?
Fighter jets are expensive war machines, they are very expensive to maintain and fly. AI can lessen the burden by removing pilots from the cockpit. The US Air Force is modifying its F-16 under Project Venom to train an AI system for the deployment of drones. These projects are a part of mixed human-machine teams or replacing crewed jets. Are Humans Still In The Loop?
The road to fully adopting AI is very far and full of obstacles. The AI technology powering systems is still in the learning process and learning how to interpret during the war.
According to military experts, the complexity of aerial combat scenarios makes it difficult to give full power to AI. An air force commander stated that, 'Robotified warfare…is centuries away.' it is also true because minor changes, such as the presence of tires on a runway, can confuse computer vision systems.
Antoine Bordes, Helsing's vice-president for AI, said that human decision-making remains primary when it comes to how weapons and software are used.
Helsing's armed drones are serving in Ukraine. However, frontline soldiers are not happy with the performance and cost of the company's HF-1 kamikaze drone (suicide drone). They also criticised the company's Altra software. What Comes Next?
European air forces are undergoing modernisation but a gradual shift is expected. As per experts, an extended period will be given where artificial intelligence will support human pilots, aiding in difficult flight manoeuvres and threat identification. Eventually, roles will change in coming years where human pilots are fully replaced.
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