DARPA Makes History — Human-AI Dogfight Takes to the Skies

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently announced that an AI-controlled aircraft effectively engaged in an aerial dogfight against a human pilot during a test conducted last year.

“The potential for autonomous air-to-air combat has been imaginable for decades, but the reality has remained a distant dream up until now. In 2023, the X-62A broke one of the most significant barriers in combat aviation. This is a transformational moment, all made possible by breakthrough accomplishments of the X-62A ACE team,” said Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall. 

DARPA initiated its exploration of AI applications in December 2022 as a component of the Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program. The objective was to create an AI system capable of autonomously piloting a fighter jet while adhering to the Air Force's safety standards.

The air force also called for the use of AI tools for command and control, according to an agency announcement. By expediting the research and development of innovative AI-based capabilities to bolster Joint All Domain Command and Control (C2), the Department of the Air Force (DAF) aims to gain a strategic decision-making edge.

The Air Force is seeking AI support in several key areas, including command and control optimization for mission-tailored AI; federated, composable autonomy; and AI toolbox development.

The agency is looking to completely overhaul its network infrastructure across the service, including the Guard and Reserve bases. This was revealed in a request for proposal floated by the Air Force's Enterprise IT and Cyber Infrastructure Division.