The US Air Force, through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), has achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting an in-air dogfight test between an AI-controlled jet and a human pilot. This test was part of DARPA’s Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program, which aims to develop an AI system capable of autonomously flying a fighter jet while adhering to safety protocols. The AI system was installed in the experimental X-62A aircraft, and the test took place at the Edwards Air Force Base in California. Human pilots were present on board with the ability to disable the AI system, but they did not need to use the safety switch during the test. The X-62A engaged in a dogfight against an F-16 controlled by a human pilot, with both aircraft demonstrating high-aspect nose-to-nose engagements at high speeds. The outcome of the dogfight was not disclosed. The chief test pilot at the Air Forces Test Pilot School emphasized the significance of these tests in advancing autonomous artificial intelligence systems. DARPA has conducted 21 test flights and plans to continue testing through 2024. The rapid advancements in AI have raised concerns about military applications, with reports indicating the Pentagon’s interest in developing AI systems for defense and drone enhancement.
