Task Force 99, a specialized unit of the United States Air Force (USAF) based in Qatar, was established in the fall of 2022 as an experimental division aimed at advancing the rapid development and deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In March 2023, the unit successfully tested a 3D-printed drone designed on software from Titan Dynamics, a Texas-based company known for its aerospace combat simulation software and UAV designs.
The US Navy has embarked on a transformative journey by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its aviation systems, marking a significant shift in how military operations are conducted. In partnership with San Diego-based company Shield AI, a leader in autonomous control systems for aircraft, the Navy is working to enhance autonomy within naval aviation. This partnership is a critical part of the Navy’s broader strategy to leverage advanced technologies to maintain its competitive edge and improve operational effectiveness.
The U.S. Army is rapidly advancing its airborne intelligence capabilities with the commissioning of the Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) to develop a next-generation spy plane under the High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) project. This nearly decade-long contract is valued at up to $991.3 million, with an initial order of $93.5 million.