Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing fighter aircraft, enhancing the capabilities of pilots and autonomous systems.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is profoundly transforming the field of military aviation, particularly as far as fighter aircraft are concerned. Its integration aims to improve the performance, precision and safety of aerial missions. This article explores the various applications of AI in fighter aircraft, drawing on concrete examples and figures.

AI at the service of fighter pilots

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in fighter aircraft aims to improve decision-making, optimize the management of onboard systems and enhance flight safety. AI analyzes flight parameters, radar data, enemy and allied transmissions and weather conditions in real time. This information is then synthesized and prioritized to provide the pilot with a clear view of the tactical situation.

In modern cockpits, AI plays a key role in helping to detect threats and manage electronic countermeasures. For example, fighter aircraft sensors incorporate image recognition algorithms to identify hostile aircraft, by comparing the thermal and radar signatures of detected aircraft with a database of known models.

AI is also used in fighter pilot training. The French Air and Space Force uses AI-enabled simulators to adapt training scenarios according to trainee performance. For example, an AI program can analyze a student’s reactions to simulated combat situations, automatically adjusting the difficulty to target the pilot’s specific weaknesses.

Finally, AI enables partial automation of repetitive in-flight tasks, such as trajectory tracking, fuel management and automatic collision avoidance. This allows pilots to concentrate on tactical mission and strategic decision-making in air combat.

AI-driven autonomous fighter aircraft

Advances in artificial intelligence now enable fighter jets to operate without human intervention, carrying out missions with advanced autonomy. On-board AI can control the aircraft in real time, adjusting trajectory and managing flight commands according to assigned objectives.

In December 2022, the VISTA X-62A, a modified version of the F-16, was piloted by an AI for 17 hours without human assistance. This experiment tested autonomous piloting algorithms, capable of executing defensive and offensive maneuvers in simulated combat. The aircraft demonstrated its ability to adapt in real time, reacting to unforeseen threats, adjusting its trajectories and optimizing the use of its weapons systems.

Autonomous aircraft can operate as AI-driven combat drones, operating either independently or in support of a manned aircraft. This concept, known as “Loyal Wingman”, enables an unmanned fighter to support a human pilot by providing intelligence, disrupting enemy defenses or carrying out targeted strikes. The US Air Force’s Skyborg program is developing this technology to integrate intelligent drones into its squadrons.

Autonomy capabilities are constantly being improved thanks to machine learning, enabling AI-piloted fighter jets to refine their decisions based on data accumulated over the course of test missions. These advances could reduce pilot workload and enable faster, more efficient operations in the field.

AI air combat simulations vs. human pilots

Simulation tests carried out by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have highlighted the performance of artificial intelligence algorithms against experienced fighter pilots. At the AlphaDogfight Trials in 2020, an AI designed for air combat took on several human pilots in a simulator, winning all engagements.

The algorithm used was based on reinforcement learning, enabling it to adjust its strategy according to the opponent’s actions. Unlike a human pilot, the AI does not suffer from fatigue or cognitive overload, giving it near-instantaneous reaction time. It is able to execute high-intensity maneuvers, making full use of the aircraft’s capabilities, without worrying about physiological limitations such as the effects of G-forces on a human pilot.

These simulations demonstrated that the AI could anticipate and counter adversary tactics with extreme precision, reducing the likelihood of a human pilot gaining the upper hand. The aim of these experiments is not to replace pilots, but rather to develop combat support systems, where an AI could assist a crew by analyzing threats and suggesting the most effective maneuvers.

Ultimately, these technologies could be integrated into autonomous or semi-autonomous fighter aircraft, enabling them to execute aerial combat in coordination with manned aircraft, while improving the responsiveness and accuracy of tactical decisions on the battlefield.

Challenges and ethical considerations

The use of artificial intelligence in fighter aircraft raises major issues of control, responsibility and military engagement. One fundamental issue concerns the degree of autonomy granted to weapons systems. While AI can assist decision-making, its use in lethal actions raises questions about the legal and moral responsibility of strikes carried out without direct human intervention.

Some countries, such as France, maintain a doctrine whereby engagement decisions must remain under human control. The idea of an autonomous weapon system making a firing decision without explicit validation by an operator is contrary to the commitments made by several nations under international humanitarian law. The principles of distinction (differentiation between combatants and civilians) and proportionality (use of force commensurate with the threat) must be respected to avoid fatal errors and excessive collateral damage.

AI systems in fighter aircraft must also be robust in the face of cyber attacks. An autonomous aircraft could be targeted by adversaries seeking to manipulate its algorithms or destabilize its navigation and target recognition systems.

Finally, the transparency and political acceptability of these technologies remain decisive factors for their integration. The debate on banning lethal autonomous weapons remains open, opposing those who see AI as a strategic tool and those who fear a drift towards dehumanized warfare.

Future prospects

Artificial intelligence is set to profoundly change military air strategy. The Pentagon plans to integrate autonomous fighter jets by 2028, capable of carrying out offensive and defensive missions alongside manned aircraft. These AI-powered aircraft could reduce the risks to human crews by taking on high-risk operations, such as suppressing enemy air defenses or reconnaissance missions in hostile territory.

The concept of man-machine collaboration is based on autonomous platforms operating in coordinated swarms with traditional fighter aircraft. Projects such as Skyborg (USA) and Fighter’s Loyal Wingman (Australia) are developing AI combat drones capable of tracking a manned fighter, assessing threats in real time and engaging targets autonomously if necessary.

The technical challenges remain numerous. Machine learning needs to be refined to ensure reliable interpretation of combat situations, and protocols need to be established to avoid misclassification of targets. In addition, issues relating to resistance to cyber-attacks and interoperability with allied forces require further development.

Strategic decisions concerning military AI will need to integrate ethical and legal considerations. While some militaries are betting on fully autonomous aircraft, others favor decision support systems that retain human control over the use of force. The future of combat aviation will therefore depend on the regulatory framework and technological advances in the years to come.

AI is playing a growing role in the evolution of fighter aircraft, offering significant improvements in performance and safety. However, its integration must be carefully supervised to ensure ethical and responsible use.

Get in touch to fly a fighter jet – we fly in France AND YOU CAN TAKE THE CONTROLS!!!