- Air Force employs wargames to explore future AI-driven battlefield strategies.
- Analysts recognize wargames as vital decision-making “laboratories” for the military.
- Traditional wargaming methods are costly and analytically limited.
- Air Force envisions AI enhancing wargaming processes and strategy development.
- Lt. Gen. David Harris emphasizes AI’s role in rapidly adjusting autonomy levels for future systems.
- The Air Force pursues Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) for advanced battlefield operations.
- Human-machine teaming in aircraft operations is a key focus for future developments.
Main AI News:
The Air Force has been utilizing wargames to envision how forthcoming AI-driven platforms could optimally function on the battlefield. Nonetheless, authorities are also considering another application — harnessing artificial intelligence to enhance wargaming itself.
Wargaming holds substantial significance for the US military. These endeavors act as “laboratories” for decision-making, as highlighted by analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in a commentary from February.
“From historical interwar periods and the Cold War to contemporary discussions on countering Russia and China, wargames have remained a fundamental component of strategic analysis in the United States. These simulation-based exercises assess theories, assumptions, and strategies regarding warfare by crafting hypothetical conflict scenarios. Consequently, wargames fulfill multiple functions within policy circles. They promote dialogue across agencies and among stakeholders, fostering an environment conducive to the emergence of new ideas and the evaluation of critical assumptions,” they elaborated.
However, the conventional approach to wargaming can be costly and beset with analytical deficiencies, as observed by the authors and other observers, including a prominent Air Force official. They believe that artificial intelligence holds the potential to substantially enhance the entire process.
The Air Force Futures office, situated at the Pentagon, oversees the utilization of wargaming and workshops for strategy and concept development, integrated force design, and environmental assessments, among other duties.
“I’ve recently returned from MIT’s AI Accelerator, where I observed how they’re aiding Air Force Futures in leveraging artificial intelligence. Our initial focus lies in enhancing our wargaming methodology. This entails conducting thousands of runs utilizing either an automated assistant or a knowledgeable aide or even employing rapid adjudication in certain games. Instead of merely conducting three turns against an adversary, we can now run thousands of iterations in one turn to comprehend various optimal solutions. Understanding this trade space is where AI can provide substantial assistance,” stated Lt. Gen. David Harris, Deputy Chief of Staff of Air Force Futures, during a virtual event hosted by the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies.
Harris, a pivotal figure at Air Force headquarters responsible for strategy, integration, and requirements, highlighted the service’s exploration of promptly adjusting autonomy levels for future battlefield systems based on the prevailing circumstances.
The Air Force is actively pursuing next-generation drones, termed Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), which will feature advanced algorithms and capabilities. Officials envision CCAs functioning as robotic wingmen to manned aircraft, with each crewed fighter overseeing multiple drones and assuming a quarterback-like role or operating independently in an “untethered” manner.
“Our visit to MIT revealed another intriguing aspect concerning the human-machine teaming in aircraft operations. This raises questions about the connection between humans operating aircraft and fully autonomous systems. There’s a crucial middle ground concerning human-machine teaming. For instance, as a pilot begins to experience fatigue during an extended flight, can we detect this and transition the [drone] platform into a more autonomous mode? This intersection is being explored, and it’s vital concerning force design and our future trajectory,” elaborated Harris.
Conclusion:
The Air Force’s integration of artificial intelligence into wargaming processes signals a strategic shift towards more efficient and effective decision-making in future battlefield scenarios. This advancement underscores the growing importance of AI in military operations and suggests potential opportunities for AI technology providers to engage with defense organizations in developing tailored solutions for enhanced strategic planning and execution.
