Why artificial intelligence has secured its place in special forces' operations
The diverse use cases of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have been turning it into a critical tool for Special Operations Forces (SOF).
SOF expands special reconnaissance capabilities
RQ-21 Blackjack being prepared for launch. (Photo: USMC)
USSOCOM brings space and unmanned capabilities to the deployed tactical user, as a more contested operating environment poses potential problems.
During his overview briefing at this week’s Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC), David Breede, Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Special Reconnaissance (SR) at US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), highlighted evolution and growth across his four subordinate programme management offices: Technical Collection & Communication; Integrated Sensor Systems; Sensitive Site Exploitation; and Remote Capabilities (RC).
He identified RC as the ‘youngest programme office’, noting that it had just been established before the previous SOFIC event.
The office is built on a foundation of well-known efforts, including Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities and other space-based activities that Breede characterised as research, development,
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