US Navy deploys artificial intelligence

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.

Expanding autonomy in naval aviation

Two key Navy programs, Strike Planning and Execution (PMA-281) and Aerial Targets (PMA-208), are actively collaborating with Shield AI. The primary objective of this collaboration is to integrate AI-driven autonomy into the BQM-177A Subsonic Aerial Target (SSAT), a critical platform used to simulate the threat of modern subsonic anti-ship cruise missiles. These simulations are essential for training Navy fleets and testing shipboard air defense systems under realistic threat scenarios.

The integration of AI into the BQM-177A will enable these drones to perform complex missions autonomously, reducing the need for human intervention and increasing the efficiency of military training operations. This project represents a broader trend in the military’s adoption of AI to enhance decision-making, reduce human workload, and improve the speed and accuracy of responses to threats.

The significance of PMA-281 and PMA-208 programs

PMA-281 is responsible for developing, acquiring, and supporting a range of naval strike and mission planning systems. By integrating AI, PMA-281 aims to enhance the Navy’s capability to plan and execute missions with greater precision and adaptability. The program focuses on creating scalable and sustainable solutions that can be deployed across various platforms, making naval aviation more versatile and responsive to emerging threats.

The PMA-208 program, on the other hand, manages aerial target systems used for testing and training purposes. The BQM-177A, one of PMA-208’s flagship projects, is an advanced target drone designed to simulate enemy missiles and aircraft. With AI integration, these drones can autonomously replicate complex adversarial tactics, providing a more realistic training environment for naval personnel.

Integration of Hivemind AI pilot software

Shield AI’s flagship product, Hivemind, is an advanced AI software designed to enable aircraft to fly autonomously in contested environments. Hivemind’s integration into the BQM-177A represents a significant leap forward in the development of autonomous military aviation. This software allows the drone to make real-time decisions based on sensor data, enabling it to respond dynamically to changing conditions during missions.

According to Johann Soto, head of the software modernization team at PMA-281, integrating Hivemind AI into the BQM-177A will create a robust test platform for continuous AI development. This approach fosters a seamless link between simulation-based testing and live testing, allowing the AI algorithms to be refined rapidly based on real-world feedback. This iterative development process is critical for ensuring that the AI systems can perform reliably in various operational scenarios.

Advancing drone capabilities: The BQM-177A

The BQM-177A is a versatile drone that supports multiple mission requirements, such as threat simulation, target tracking, and defense testing. It is capable of carrying a wide range of internal and external payloads, including electronic warfare equipment, decoys, and radar reflectors. The drone can be launched from various platforms, including air, land, sea, and underwater, making it an ideal tool for testing and training in diverse environments.

The introduction of AI allows the BQM-177A to simulate more sophisticated threats that better represent the capabilities of modern adversaries. This capability is crucial for preparing naval forces to confront increasingly complex and unpredictable challenges on the battlefield.

Benefits of AI integration for naval aviation

The integration of AI into naval aviation offers numerous benefits, including enhanced decision-making, reduced operational costs, and improved training realism. AI-driven platforms like the BQM-177A provide a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solution for testing and training purposes. Greg Crewse, PMA-208 Program Manager, emphasized that the BQM-177A’s lower unit cost and reduced cost per flight hour create a cost-efficient test environment that accelerates innovation.

Moreover, AI systems can process vast amounts of data in real time, enabling faster and more accurate responses to emerging threats. This capability is particularly valuable in combat scenarios where quick decision-making is critical. AI also reduces the cognitive load on human operators, allowing them to focus on strategic decision-making rather than routine tasks.

Future developments and demonstrations

A technical demonstration of the AI-enhanced BQM-177A is scheduled for late 2025. This event will showcase the capabilities of the integrated AI systems, demonstrating how the drone can autonomously perform complex missions that were previously impossible without human intervention. The demonstration will also provide valuable data to refine the AI algorithms further, ensuring that they meet the high standards required for military applications.

This initiative is part of the Navy’s broader strategy to integrate AI and other emerging technologies across its platforms. As the military continues to explore new ways to incorporate AI into its operations, the lessons learned from projects like the BQM-177A will inform future developments and help shape the next generation of autonomous military systems.

Conclusion

The US Navy’s partnership with Shield AI represents a pivotal step towards the future of autonomous warfare. By integrating advanced AI systems into platforms like the BQM-177A, the Navy is not only enhancing its training and testing capabilities but also setting the stage for more autonomous and resilient military operations. As AI continues to evolve, its role in defense and security will only grow, reshaping the battlefield and redefining the nature of modern warfare.

This partnership underscores the critical importance of innovation and adaptability in maintaining technological superiority in the face of evolving threats. The successful integration of AI into naval aviation could serve as a model for other branches of the military, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in defense.

---

Source: interestingengineering.com