BERLIN — Mainland Europe’s Future Combat Air System, an ambitious effort to field a suite of warplanes and drones in the 2040s, could become the first large-scale defense program with artificial intelligence fully baked in. A consortium of Germany, France, and Spain – with Belgium joining as an observer last year – promises to have the first airworthy demonstrators of the futuristic idea flying by this decade’s end. One key novelty of FCAS is its use of so-called loyal wingmen drones that will travel alongside the main, manned aircraft.
Artificial intelligence will play a key role in all aspects of the FCAS system, influencing development, kill-chain decisions, and even what pilots see. The development of intelligence for these drones will be crucial to the success of the program. NeuralAgent, a company responsible for ensuring data flow, is implementing AI models that are highly efficient and can maintain connectivity in adverse electronic warfare environments.
The redefining of a pilot’s role will be necessary with the implementation of manned and unmanned aircraft working together in the FCAS system. The goal is to evolve from pilots needing to control each aspect of the aircraft to focusing on mission management and allowing aircraft to fly autonomously. AI models in FCAS will begin as “frozen,” but may integrate machine learning during missions in the future.
While many fear the dangers of delegating power to machines, FCAS is pushing forward with integrating AI into weapons development. Concerns about potential autonomous decision-making have been raised, but engineers are utilizing AI to enhance efficiency and capabilities. The project’s development includes the implementation of a secure digital assembly hall by partnering with Helsing to manage AI integration.
