Assessing Air Force Preparedness and Upgrades Amid Worldwide Security Challenges

The US Air Force is undergoing a major transformation to meet the challenges of great power competition, with a focus on AI and modernization.

At a Glance

The USAF is heavily investing in AI research and development to enhance aerial dominance
Plans are underway to reshape and optimize the Air Force for future warfare
Aging aircraft and reduced fleet size pose challenges to operational readiness
Ethical considerations are prioritized in AI development for military applications

Air Force Embraces AI for Future Warfare

The United States Air Force (USAF) is at a critical juncture, adapting to the evolving landscape of global security threats. With a renewed focus on great power competition, the Air Force is heavily investing in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development to maintain its aerial dominance and bolster national security. This technological push is reshaping various aspects of air operations, from autonomous systems to predictive analytics and strategic intelligence.

The integration of AI into Air Force operations is not without its challenges. Lt. Colonel Joe Chapa, a key figure in the ethical development of AI within the Department of Defense, emphasizes the importance of responsible innovation. “Behaving ethically is what the United States military does; that’s who we are, and the people developing these tools—both the ethics side and the innovation side—are working arm in arm trying to solve the same problems,” Chapa stated.

Modernization Efforts and Challenges

The Air Force’s modernization efforts extend beyond AI. The service is developing next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with advanced AI capabilities, such as the XQ-58A Valkyrie. These developments are crucial as the Air Force faces the challenge of operating in increasingly contested environments and at greater ranges. This reality necessitates more agile force deployment and improved integration with joint and combined forces.

“I do believe this is a time of consequence,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin said during a discussion on optimizing air power hosted by the Brookings Institution. “We are moving forward with a sense of urgency to ensure we are ready to deter and, if necessary, win,” added Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall when unveiling the blueprint for the Air Force’s future.

Addressing Operational Readiness Concerns

Despite increased funding from 2017 to 2021, the Air Force faces significant challenges in maintaining operational readiness. Much of the additional funding was allocated to research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) rather than increasing aircraft capacity. The service has seen a decline in flying hours and plans to cut a substantial number of aircraft, including 1,468 over the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP).

The Air Force’s aging aircraft fleet, including B-52 bombers and KC-135 tankers, poses challenges for maintainability and operational readiness. Additionally, the total aircraft inventory has significantly decreased since the Cold War, with projections showing further reductions by the end of FY 2023. These factors contribute to a limited capacity to deploy combat-coded fighters, with only 885 currently available for deployment.

Future Prospects and Strategic Initiatives

Looking ahead, the Air Force is developing innovative solutions to address these challenges. The Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) is being created to replace the E-8 J-STARS with a more advanced and disaggregated sensor system. This system, along with other AI-driven initiatives, is expected to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by processing and filtering intelligence information more quickly.

Col. James Valpiani, the commandant of United States Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, explains the significance of these advancements: “Machine learning is different from more traditional, rules-based coding because rather than using ‘if-then’ statements to make decisions, the machine learning algorithms are using robust statistical methods to discern patterns within massive data sets.”

As the Air Force continues to adapt to the changing landscape of warfare, it remains committed to its core mission to “fly, fight, and win.” The integration of AI, coupled with strategic modernization efforts, will be crucial in ensuring the Air Force’s ability to protect national interests and maintain air superiority in the face of evolving global threats.