The United States Air Force has taken a significant step in automating military aviation.
For the first time, the experimental combat drone XQ-58A Valkyrie successfully completed a flight entirely under artificial intelligence control. This impressive demonstration took place in July at the Eglin Training and Testing Complex in Florida, USA.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie hovered in the sky for three hours before safely returning.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie unmanned combat aircraft is fully controlled by artificial intelligence (Photo: US Air Force).
Previously, a report on the US Air Force’s website highlighted the increasing importance of AI in the military sector. “AI is a crucial part of future warfare,” stated General Scott Cain.
To achieve this goal, the United States Air Force has launched the Skyborg Vanguard program, an ambitious initiative aimed at developing drones operated by “AI agents.”
The program not only aims to enable these machines to fly autonomously using AI but also seeks to ensure their safety during missions. Engineers are programming the AI system with the capability to handle problems and tactics during complex and dangerous combat scenarios.
At the heart of this initiative is the XQ-58A Valkyrie, an experimental combat drone. It features a wingspan of 6.7 meters and can reach a maximum speed of 1,057 km/h.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie embodies the vision of the United States Air Force for future aerial combat, affirming autonomy, security, and tactics in service to the nation.
The XQ-58A Valkyrie is a product of collaboration between the United States Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions. The aircraft is jet-powered and operates entirely autonomously, designed primarily to escort fighter jets.
The success of the initial mission has confirmed the strength of the integrated security measures within it. The Valkyrie is equipped with a “multi-layered” security framework, ensuring it operates robustly in the face of threats.
In addition to its security capabilities, the autonomous drone has also demonstrated tactical agility. In the recent test mission, the XQ-58A Valkyrie faced tactical challenges, simulating combat situations akin to those on the battlefield.
The tests validated its ability to respond effectively to complex situations, thereby reinforcing its operational relevance in this field.
Strategic Objectives in the Adoption of Drone Technology
The United States Air Force is shifting towards the use of drones like the Valkyrie primarily to control costs associated with military aviation.
In reality, traditional manned aircraft incur substantial expenses, not only for pilot training but also for maintenance and safety measures to protect them.
By opting for autonomous drones, the Air Force can significantly reduce these costs while maintaining or even improving operational efficiency.
Moreover, drones offer an undeniable strategic advantage, such as the ability to explore high-risk areas, ensuring the safety of human pilots. These devices can also be deployed in hostile or extremely dangerous environments.
Thus, they allow the United States Air Force to gather crucial intelligence without jeopardizing pilot lives.
