Episode description

Secretary of the United States Air Force Frank Kendall discusses AI's impact on modern air warfare.

In this episode, we're switching things up and going to the Pentagon to bring you a special in-depth conversation on artificial intelligence in military aviation. Secretary Kendall discusses AI’s evolving role in U.S. air power, collaborative combat aircraft, technology breakthroughs, and ethical concerns. This one is going to be cool!

Key Takeaways:

• Secretary Kendall discusses the history of AI in the U.S. military and how it has helped transform Air Force operations.
• Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) are uncrewed aircraft flown by artificial intelligence. They are currently being tested alongside fighter jets to become loyal wingmen.
• The ethics of artificial intelligence in warfare remains at the forefront of AI integration. Secretary Kendall wants to ensure that the U.S. complies with the laws of war and maintains human accountability for lethal decision-making. 
• CCA's can be both budget-friendly and help save time when testing new technologies.
• AI advancement aims to help the U.S. maintain technological superiority over its global adversaries.
• By integrating CCAs in the frontlines of combat, they could help save fighter pilot lives by taking on more risky missions or diverting enemy fire.
• Secretary Kendall stresses the importance of enhancing AI operations quickly while ensuring that ethics are not left behind.

Resources:

• Secretary Frank Kendall's Bio (Air Force) 
• Departing Air Force Secretary Will Leave Space Weaponry as a Legacy (New York Times)
• AI in Military Aviation (Behind the Wings PBS S6) 
• Collaborative Combat Aircraft (Behind the Wings PBS S6)