US Air Force Testing AI-Powered Enemy-Fighting Drones As China-Taiwan Tensions Simmer

The U.S. Air Force is leveraging artificial intelligence for military use with its experimental aircraft, the XQ-58A Valkyrie, setting it apart from any consumer drone on the market.

Engineered with AI, the Valkyrie can fly the width of China, carry missiles, and has the potential to significantly alter the landscape of military warfare.

The Valkyrie aims to function as a “loyal wingman” to human pilots, according to The New York Times. Unlike traditional drones, it can evaluate enemy threats, ask for human authorization, and move in for the kill.

The new “robot wingmen” are slated to participate in various roles, including reconnaissance, resupply missions, and even frontline attacks, with the goal of enhancing the capabilities of human-piloted planes.

The Valkyrie program also points to a shift in the Pentagon’s procurement strategy. Longtime defense contractors like Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:LMT) and Boeing Co (NYSE:BA) might have to make room for software-first companies like Shield AI and Anduril, which specialize in developing AI algorithms, the Times noted.

With the price tag of producing Valkyries being a fraction of what traditional fighter jets cost, newer firms could potentially snatch up large portions of the Pentagon’s budget.

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The shift toward autonomous lethal capabilities comes with its own set of challenges. The Air Force emphasizes the importance of proceeding with caution, stating that human judgment will remain at the core of decision-making processes involving the AI technology.

The U.S. isn’t alone in the race for AI-powered weaponry; China’s rapid AI advancements have placed it as a major competitor to the U.S. in national security. The U.S. military’s adoption of AI not only advances its own capabilities but also acts as a deterrent against potential Chinese aggression, particularly concerning Taiwan.

The shift toward AI and autonomous systems has potential implications for defense-related stocks. As previously mentioned, legacy weapon manufactures like Lockheed Martin and Boeing will have to pivot more toward software, while AI-native companies involved in the Valkyrie program could offer investment opportunities in the future.

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