The US Air Force plans to adopt Valkyrie drones with artificial intelligence
The Pentagon expects to receive $6bn to build between 1,000 and 2,000 XQ-58A Valkyrie drones, which will be controlled by artificial intelligence.
Here's What We Know
The XQ-58A Valkyrie works in conjunction with human-controlled F-22 and F-35 fighter jets. The drone is designed to protect aircraft during an enemy attack, as well as engage targets in the air, on the ground and at sea in kamikaze drone mode.
The Valkyrie can reach speeds of up to 885 km/h and operates at an altitude of up to 14 kilometres. The drone has a range of 5,500 kilometres.
The cost of each UAV ranges from $3 million to $25 million. Cheap versions will act as a kamikaze drone, while expensive ones are designed for reconnaissance and defence of fighter jets. The drone is expected to be able to create distractions and even engage in aerial combat with the enemy.
The UAV will be equipped with a number of sensors, the data from which will be processed by artificial intelligence. However, the system will not be able to make decisions on its own: before hitting a target with a lethal weapon, the AI will ask a human for permission.
However, human rights activists are concerned that drones with artificial intelligence will pave the way to a "Terminator"-style dystopian future.
Giving machines the right to kill people is immoral, according to Mary Wareham, director of advocacy at Human Rights Watch's weapons division.
The Future of Life Institute, a non-profit organisation, believes that algorithmic decision-making on the battlefield could lead to an increase in the pace of battle. This will lead to faster escalation, as well as the risk of weapons of mass destruction, advocates say.
Go Deeper:
- Artificial intelligence operated the US XQ-58A Valkyrie strike drone for the first time for three hours
- The US Air Force has released new photos from a test of the XQ-58A Valkyrie strike drone
- US may deploy XQ-58A Valkyrie drones at Japan's Kadena base to replace aging F-15C/D Eagle fighters
- XQ-58A Valkyrie drones with a flight speed of 1,050 km/h have been successfully tested in the US
Source: The New York Times