The United States Air Force tested the XQ-58 Valkyrie drone with integrated artificial intelligence.

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory reported on this.

The drone manufacturer Kratos Defense & Security Solutions signed an agreement with Shield AI to integrate and launch artificial intelligence for the XQ-58 Valkyrie drone on June 23.

The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Autonomous Air Combat Operations developed and refined the tested AI.

The tests took place at the Eglin Gulf Test & Training Range. The mission successfully tested components that significantly reduced the risks for large autonomous systems.

The tested AI algorithms were developed using deep learning technologies.

The algorithms worked in conjunction with neural networks that assisted in control, “created” opponents, and simulated weapons.

“AI testing requires combining new and traditional test and evaluation techniques. The team has a lot of lessons learned that will be used to inform future programs,” said Ryan Bowers, lead test engineer for the effort.

The 40th Flight Test Squadron supported by AFRL and Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems executed the flight tests.

“The opportunity to fly alongside this trained AI-piloted air vehicle really set into stone this technology is very real and here to stay,” stated Capt. Tyler Brown, lead test aircrew.

The United States is actively exploring the possibility of the widespread introduction of various types of artificial intelligence in the defense sector.

Militarnyi previously reported that the Pentagon launched a generative AI task force, which was called Task Force Lima.

The main task of the task force will be to determine the level of security during the use of generative artificial intelligence in the Department of State. Specialists should identify situations in which use becomes dangerous.