WASHINGTON – The Pentagon is planning a 2024 showdown between an F-16 piloted by a human and one controlled by artificial intelligence (AI), a man versus machine matchup that military officials believe could represent a key turning point in technological development. The Washington Times reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
22 Sept. 2020 -- Defense Secretary Mark Esper announced the 2024 contest during a speech on AI development earlier this month at the Pentagon. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, already has held numerous combat simulations between a human pilot and machines.
In the most recent dogfight between AI and a human pilot, officials said the AI-controlled system easily defeated the human.
AI development is central to the Pentagon’s 21st-century battle plan. While it may be frightening to see machines top highly trained pilots, military officials argue that China and other global competitors are pouring billions of dollars into their own AI development programs, and the U.S must keep pace.
John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
