Summary: The U.S. Air Force is developing the XQ-58A Valkyrie, an experimental AI-powered aircraft with the potential to supplement traditional fighter jets, offering highly capable drones as combat companions. These collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs) could be deployed in large numbers, disrupting the dominance of expensive fighter jets. The initiative aims to address concerns about China’s anti-access and area-denial capabilities, but it also raises ethical questions about the use of AI in warfare. The program signifies a shift in Air Force procurement towards software and the inclusion of technology startups in the defense industry.
