Quantcast

USAF Secretary Frank Kendall discusses future role of AI in airpower

Nepal Plane Crash Kills 18 After Takeoff - Airline Ratings
Southwest Airlines is getting rid of open seating | CNN Business
CrowdStrike Outage Caused 10% Spike in Air Charter
Aircraft Engine Maintenance and Repair to Peak in 2026, Worsening Capacity Shortage for Commercial Aviation, Says Bain & Company
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation announces NLRB-scheduled vote to remove union officials
Families recount the horror of MH17 ten years on - Airline Ratings
777-9 Enters Certification Flight Testing - AVweb
Kompass Kapital Sets New Course with Airshare Investment
SATS, SIA Engineering Company and Changi Airport Group to Trial Autonomous Buses at Changi Airport
Qatar Airways Landing An A350 In Hamburg Makes A Powerful Statement - Airline Ratings
EBAA Backs Dassault's Sustainability Lawsuit against European Commission | AIN
American Airlines Now Lets You Earn And Spend Miles On Concerts And Events
Boeing agrees to plead guilty to defrauding the FAA but escapes punishment sought by victims’ families | CNN Business
IATA partners with Aviation Sustainability Forum to tackle cabin waste
Qatar Airways In Talks To Buy 20% Of Virgin Australia - Airline Ratings
Boeing Will Buy Spirit AeroSystems For $4.7 Billion In Stock & Airbus Enters $559 Million Agreement For Its Parts
Bombardier Global Jet Production Stops in Toronto as Union Workers Strike | AIN
Justice Department To Offer Boeing a Plea Deal Related to Max Crashes
Plane diverted to Brazil after turbulence injures 30
As air taxi services make progress in U.S., no timeline set for liftoff over L.A. traffic
USAF Secretary Frank Kendall discusses future role of AI in airpower
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Recently, United States Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall shared his insights on artificial intelligence and its application in airpower during a series of exit interviews. Speaking with the Mitchell Institute and Wings Over the Rockies’ Behind the Wings Podcast, Kendall addressed AI's role in military aviation, particularly focusing on Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).

Kendall stated, "Artificial intelligence is really a collection of technologies." In an interview with Tracy LaTourrette from Behind the Wings Podcast, he emphasized that AI is not akin to human intelligence but comprises various capabilities that enhance military operations. He noted that autonomy tops the list, allowing machines to operate independently under human supervision.

Kendall clarified that there would always be human oversight in operations involving AI. Discussing with Lt Gen David A. Deptula from the Mitchell Institute, he remarked, "What people call artificial intelligence isn't actually artificial intelligence. It's automation." He explained that AI helps manage large data sets and improve efficiency for human pilots.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

USAF pilots have expressed interest in AI assistance. According to Kendall, this aligns with comments from Elon Musk and indicates no intention from the incoming Trump Administration to change this strategy.

Kendall outlined a three-step plan for integrating AI into the USAF: acquiring uncrewed aircraft for operational tests, using CCAs as "loyal wingmen," and testing AI software on modified F-16s like the X-62 VISTA with a pilot onboard for safety.

Discussing CCA concepts with LaTourrette, Kendall described it as having piloted aircraft control multiple autonomous wingmen. The pilot acts as a quarterback adjusting tactics based on situational needs while ensuring adherence to engagement rules.

At the 2024 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, Kendall highlighted progress in CCA technology development through his experience flying an AI-controlled F-16 alongside a test pilot. The X-62 VISTA serves as a testbed for such advancements.

In closing remarks at the conference regarding his impending departure due to political transitions, Kendall said: “It’s just a fact that we will have a new president on January 20th... Our ability to do this routinely and smoothly is something we should all celebrate as Americans.”

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025