Lockheed Martin successfully tested the ability of its F-35 fighter plane to use artificial intelligence-enhanced targeting in flight, the U.S. defense giant announced Monday.<\/p>\n
The test, dubbed Project Overwatch, was conducted at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. It incorporated an AI machine learning model in to the warplane\u2019s information control system.<\/p>\n
The AI model generated data based on the plane\u2019s surroundings and analyzed the information to present the pilot with potential targets. <\/p>\n
It marked the first time a tactical AI model suggested a combat target to a fighter pilot independently, according to the company.<\/p>\n
Jake Wertz, vice president of F\u201135 Combat Systems at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, said that Lockheed would continue to pursue AI-driven decision-making models to allow pilots to identify combat targets faster. <\/p>\n
\u201cEqually important is our ability to re\u2011program the AI model on the ground and have those updates available for the next sortie \u2014 an essential step toward maintaining a tactical edge in a rapidly evolving threat environment,\u201c Wertz said in a statement. <\/p>\n
The F-35 features advanced electronic warfare capabilities, a low stealth profile, flexible ability to deliver firepower and flies up to about 1,200 miles per hour.<\/p>\n
The use of AI on the fighter plane follows the April 2025 release of U.S. Air Force doctrine<\/a> stating that AI will be integrated throughout the service as a force multiplier.<\/p>\n \u201cAI will supercharge Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) by providing networked sensors capable of identifying hidden \u2018needles in a haystack\u2019 without prior threat knowledge,\u201d the document noted.<\/p>\n However the Air Force observed that its approach would be to use AI as a tool to \u201caugment the performance of Airmen,\u201d as AI \u201clacks context sensitivity and reasoning.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cMilitary discretion lies with Airmen, but AI can enable faster and superior operational decisions,\u201d the service stated. <\/p>\n