Future Fighters: Pilots, Planes and AI

The debate on whether the U.S. Air Force should shift to autonomous drones instead of piloted fighter jets like the F-35 is ongoing. (Read more: Elon Musk says human-piloted fighter jets like the F-35 are obsolete. Drone tech can't yet fill the gap.)

The truth is: the growing complexity of the battlespace calls for an all-inclusive approach. F-35s, uncrewed aircraft, artificial intelligence (AI) and more are needed to ensure America and her allies can dominate the skies.

Context is Key: Why Fighter Pilots Still Rule

As AI and uncrewed aircraft evolve, human-piloted platforms like the F-35 are essential to deterring and defeating complex security challenges. In fact, the F-35 continues to prove that it performs an essential role in deterring threats to global security today. Read more from Business insider about how Israel showed the 'power' of F-35s in destroying nearly all of Iran's air defenses without a loss.

Military leaders continue to emphasize the essential role the F-35 plays in today’s battlespace. According to the Commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, General James Hecker, “fifth generation aircraft will clearly be indispensable if we want to arm ourselves and maintain air superiority.” The New York Times recently outlined how the Air Force is not ready to stop buying human-piloted jets.

Connections Matter

The F-35 brings critical interoperability and unprecedented information sharing to operators. A recent U.S. Marine Corps exercise showed how the F-35 can connect to unmanned platforms. And for years, the F-35 has demonstrated time and time again how it can serve as an elevated sensor that brings greater situational awareness to the entire fighting force.

One thing is certain – the F-35 remains the most capable and connected fighter in the world. “Hands down, without a doubt, the F-35 is the aircraft to take into combat,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Gina Sabric. “It's the quarterback of the entire fight.”