Will tomorrow’s US Air Force fleet be pilotless?
A KC-135 Stratotanker refuels an F-15. (Photo: USAF)
The US Air Force has been showing an increasing interest in adding trusted uncrewed capabilities to its aircraft inventory.
Lessons learned from recent conflicts have been pushing the US Air Force (USAF) towards increasing the use of autonomy across its aircraft fleet. The service is currently conducting several efforts to implement and deepen the operation of trusted uncrewed capabilities in its in-service platforms.
Aligned with the recent updates to USAF doctrine for operations, command and control (C2) and planning, these initiatives intend to enable and facilitate attack, logistics, support and SAR missions in contested and congested environments, while reducing risks for pilots and aircraft crews.
In its Reoptimizing for Great Power Competition paper, the USAF highlighted that “embracing change
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter]()
Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter
The delivery is the first in a total of 25 helicopters on order, with all deliveries expected to be completed by 2027.
-
![India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance]()
India and France seal Rafale-M deal as plans for local assembly advance
Inter-governmental agreement signed as final assembly line plans inch closer.
-
![Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read]()
Just Released: New UAS Technology Report now available to read
Autonomous advantage: Unlocking the potential of VTOL UAS in the battlefield resupply role
