The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth  $4.6 million to develop artificial intelligence (AI) tools for dynamic airborne missions.

This project aims to develop advanced Modeling and Simulation (M&S) techniques and powerful AI agents for real-time, multi-ship, beyond visual range (BVR) missions. 

It represents a crucial initiative to prioritize and invest in cutting-edge technologies for national security, addressing the evolving requirements of customers.

“The DARPA AIR program will use state-of-the-art scientific ML technology and Lockheed Martin’s ARISE™ infrastructure to deliver unprecedented amounts of data that service members can use to make faster and more informed decisions. This will provide significant cost savings opportunities for the Department of Defense and serve as a foundation for future AI defense solutions, ensuring the U.S. and its allies maintain their competitive advantage no matter the circumstances,” said Gaylia Campbell, Vice President of Engineering and Technology for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. 

Over 18 months, Lockheed Martin said it will utilize AI and Machine Learning (ML) methodologies to develop surrogate models of aircraft, sensors, electronic warfare systems, and weapons in dynamic and operationally realistic environments.

Earlier this month, DARPA said that an AI-controlled aircraft effectively engaged in an aerial dogfight against a human pilot during a test conducted last year.