The Pentagon has initiated a groundbreaking $6 billion program aimed at developing AI-guided aircrafts, with contracts being offered to various private companies to compete for the opportunity.
This initiative, known as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft project, forms part of a broader effort to bolster the U.S. Air Force with at least 1,000 new drones. These drones are envisioned to operate alongside conventional manned jets, providing essential support functions.
Several prominent companies including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, and Anduril Industries are actively engaged in vying for these contracts. Boeing, for instance, has unveiled its contender, dubbed the Ghost Bat, boasting impressive capabilities such as tactical early warning and intelligence gathering, all at a low-cost design.
The appeal of integrating AI into military aircraft lies not only in enhancing operational efficiency but also in significantly reducing costs.Â
Anduril Industries, a relatively new player in the field, has showcased its AI-powered drone, the Roadrunner, which boasts remarkable capabilities including AI navigation and high-explosive interception variants.
General Atomics has also demonstrated its commitment to the CCA project, showcasing its Avenger Unmanned Aircraft System paired with advanced AI and machine learning technologies for autonomous collaborative combat missions.
Lockheed Martin, leveraging its expertise in AI integration, has updated its VISTA X-62A training plane with AI operating systems, showcasing its potential to revolutionise air tactics and combat capabilities.
While Northrop Grumman's specific contribution to the CCA project remains undisclosed, the company is undoubtedly poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of AI-guided aircraft.
Overall, the Pentagon's initiative marks a pivotal step towards harnessing the power of AI to transform the capabilities of military aviation.