AI tactical control system successfully tested on US military jets
FIRST ON FOX: U.S. Fighter Pilots Take Direction from AI “Air Battle Manager” in Groundbreaking Pentagon Test
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For the first time, U.S. fighter pilots participated in a Pentagon test where they took direction from an AI “air battle manager.” This groundbreaking test could potentially change the way wars are fought in the skies.
The Air Force and Navy conducted the test in August using Raft AI’s Starsage tactical control system on F-16s, F/A-18s, and F-35s during a joint military exercise aimed at evaluating new weapons systems, advanced communications, and battle management platforms.
In traditional combat missions, fighter pilots communicate with human air battle managers on the ground who monitor radar, sensor feeds, and intelligence to guide the pilots on their flight paths and positioning. However, with the introduction of the Starsage system, response time has been accelerated, and decision-making has become more accurate, allowing pilots to make critical decisions in seconds rather than minutes.
Pilot tests Raft’s Starsage battle manager in live combat drill. (RAFT AI)
Raft AI CEO Shubhi Mishra expressed her excitement about the technology, stating that this advancement is groundbreaking and has the potential to revolutionize air combat. She compared the role of the air battle managers to that of air traffic controllers at the FAA, ensuring safe flight paths for aircraft.
During the test, pilots interacted with Starsage, confirming their mission progress, while the AI system cross-referenced their reports with simulated sensor feeds and mission objectives. This seamless integration of human pilots and AI technology showcased the potential for enhanced tactical awareness and decision-making in combat scenarios.
The test also demonstrated Starsage’s ability to provide real-time threat assessments, identifying enemy aircraft formations and enhancing overall situational awareness for pilots in the air battle space.
Starsage was tested in F-35s, like the one above, F/A-18s, and F-16s. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Deseree Kamm)
As the debate continues regarding the future of combat aviation and the role of humans in the cockpit, AI experts like Mishra believe that while technology has the capability to make life-or-death decisions, human oversight should always be a priority. The question remains: Will we embrace this advanced technology and integrate it into future combat operations?
