US Air Force Accelerates AI Adoption for Enhanced Conflict Readiness

Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin revealed that the U.S. Air Force is moving ahead fast to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tools to boost its readiness levels and prepare for future conflicts, the Fedscoop reported.

As part of its strategy to better position itself for great power competition, the Air Force is overhauling its approach to readiness for contested environments in the Indo-Pacific. 

Allvin revealed during a media roundtable that through these initiatives, the Air Force aims to use AI/ ML to boost preparedness by refining command and control operations and optimizing the management of spare parts.

However, he does highlight the need to integrate data from various siloed systems. “I think one of the things that I think we probably regret the most is how we developed our individual datasets and networks as bespoke, organic things, and so it’s hard to connect them. The data is all there, it’s putting it together, developing the algorithm and gaining the insights that will help us to learn faster,” Allvin said. 

Earlier this year, Officials of the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome, N.Y., reportedly called for the use of AI tools for command and control.

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.