Quantcast

USAF Secretary Frank Kendall discusses future role of AI in airpower

Ryanair scraps three Vienna routes, demands lower taxes and fees
US orders Delta and Aeromexico to dissolve their partnership over fairness concerns in Mexico
Southwest Airlines adds Sonoma County in California expansion - The Points Guy
Routes & Networks Latest: Rolling Daily Updates (W/C Sept. 8, 2025)
Delta Sees Record Premium Seats in '26, Main Cabin Flat or Down
Tycoon unveils £25 billion rival Heathrow expansion plan
Boeing and Airbus ground green plane projects
50 New Routes Launching In September 2025
Proposals for commercial planes to operate with one pilot shelved after critical EU report
Air Travel Fatalities Up 300% in 2024, According to Shocking Global Report
Aviation sector faces steeper losses in FY26; passenger growth slows amid headwinds: ICRA - The Times of India
Boeing Halts Strike Talks Amid $36 Billion Deal & Union Dispute
FAA’s Broader Runway Safety Push Builds on EMAS Legacy
Ryanair CEO says aviation sustainability targets are 'dying a death'
US FAA funds system to prevent accidents involving runaway airplanes
Exclusive: Korean Air makes airline's biggest-ever Boeing jet order amid Trump-Lee summit
Boeing Stock Jumps on Massive Korean Air Order
2025 Air Canada flight attendants strike - Wikipedia
FAA EMAS: Proven Safety Wins Since 1996
Air Canada flight attendants try to build on US gains on unpaid work
Cathay Pacific warns of declining fares and cargo uncertainty, shares fall
Clear intentions, cloudy path: aviation's ongoing ESG challenge
Turkish Airlines is preparing binding offer for Spain's Air Europa, executive says
Air Canada flight attendants approve strike mandate
US criticizes use of AI to personalize airline ticket prices, would investigate
Ethiopian Airlines' annual revenue rises as it draws more passengers, adds routes
Major strike action to hit 12 Spanish airports that have Ryanair flights
JetBlue, United partnership gets go-ahead from U.S. Transportation Department
United-JetBlue partnership gets US DOT approval
The aviation industry just got exactly what it wanted from Trump's EU deal
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

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to allow for a significant redevelopment.

Oct 22, 2025

The SFO Facility recently hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which was deemed a success by organizers.

Oct 22, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. recently held an appreciation event at its SFW facility to honor its employees.

Oct 22, 2025

Flying Food Group has announced that it contributes all of its taxable income annually to the Chicago-based Sue L. Gin Foundation Trust, which supports healthcare, education, legal aid, and immigration rights.

Oct 21, 2025