The US is aiming to restore its air dominance through sixth-generation fighters equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into its air fleets. AI in sixth-generation fighters To maintain its superiority, the US Air Force and Navy are developing new generation fighters. The Navy has requested over $1.5 billion to build its F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter, designed to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets fleet.
The F/A-XX is expected to be a future “quarterback” of the service in operations and operate on aircraft carriers with or without a human crew. The military’s acceptance of autonomous aircraft has increased with the development and improvement of UAVs. The Director of the Air Warfare Division of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations predicts a future ratio of 60-40 between drones and manned aircraft.
The US and its unmanned fighters Using AI fighters instead of human pilots could save costs and reduce loss of life. However, untested fighters could pose a risk to the US in its attempt to outperform its opponents. The MQ-25 Stingray represents the new unmanned aerial system. The Navy began its development in 2006, focusing on intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance functions. The MQ-25 is scheduled to achieve operational capability in 2025 and deploy to aircraft carriers in 2026. With the capacity to carry 15,000 pounds of fuel over 500 nautical miles, the Stingray can exceed the Super Hornet’s range by 300 miles, allowing other airframes to perform aerial refueling duties.
Impact of the MQ-25 Stingray on naval aviation The Stingray has shown its ability in various critical tasks aboard the USS George HW Bush aircraft carrier, including manned-unmanned team testing and friendly airframe resupply. Although it has not yet landed or taken off from an aircraft carrier, it is predicted to significantly impact the future of naval aviation. According to Navy Rear Admiral Andrew Loiselle, collaborative efforts between the Air Force and the Navy to create sixth-generation stealthy manned fighter jets and UAVs are well underway, which will transform the composition of attack groups from aircraft carriers and their air wings.
The platform’s range and weaponry it carries are critical factors in the effectiveness of carrier strike groups. The greater range and capacity of weapons will enable them to operate more safely and effectively in contested spaces. The deployment of AI fighters and UAVs will change the way military operations are conducted and will largely influence the future of America’s air fleets. Conclusion The US is committed to using sixth-generation fighters equipped with AI and UAVs in its air fleets to regain air superiority and revolutionize military operations in terms of range, weaponry, and combat effectiveness.