Daily Current Affairs : 22-May-2024

In a groundbreaking development at Edwards Air Force Base, a considerable milestone in military aviation has been reached. An experimental F-16 fighter jet was recently piloted by artificial intelligence (AI) instead of a human pilot. This marks a major advancement in the integration of AI into defense technology and could transform the future of aerial combat.

What is the F-16 Fighting Falcon?

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a versatile and agile multirole fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin. It has been a cornerstone of many air forces around the world since its introduction in the 1970s. Known for its speed, maneuverability, and advanced avionics, the F-16 can perform a variety of missions, from air superiority to ground attack.

  • Developed by Lockheed Martin
  • Capable of multiple roles, including air-to-air combat and ground attack
  • Used by many air forces globally since the 1970s

In India, a similar aircraft, the HAL Tejas, serves the same purpose. Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Tejas is a lightweight, multirole fighter designed for the Indian Air Force. Like the F-16, it offers high agility and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of combat operations.

The Role of AI in Modern Warfare

AI adoption in military aviation is growing rapidly. In 2019, India established the Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) and the Defence AI Council (DAIC) to manage and promote AI-based defense initiatives. These agencies oversee various projects to harness the power of AI for improving defense technologies, including autonomous systems, robotics, and data analysis.

  • DAIPA and DAIC established in 2019 to manage AI defense projects
  • In 2022, India identified 75 priority projects to use AI for defense purposes

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has also set up specialized research centers, such as the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) in Bengaluru, which focuses on developing AI solutions for military applications. These initiatives are aimed at making the Indian military more advanced and efficient in its operations.

Important Points:

  • AI Pilots F-16 Fighter Jet: An experimental F-16 fighter jet was recently piloted by artificial intelligence (AI) at Edwards Air Force Base, marking a significant milestone in military aviation.
  • F-16 Fighting Falcon:
  • Developed by Lockheed Martin
  • A multirole fighter aircraft known for its speed, maneuverability, and versatility.
  • Used by air forces worldwide since the 1970s.
  • Capable of performing missions like air-to-air combat and ground attack.
  • HAL Tejas:
  • India’s equivalent to the F-16, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
  • Lightweight, multirole fighter designed for the Indian Air Force.
  • Offers high agility and versatility, similar to the F-16.
  • AI Adoption in India’s Military:
  • In 2019, India established the Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) and the Defence AI Council (DAIC) to manage AI initiatives in defense.
  • In 2022, India identified 75 priority AI-based defense projects.
  • Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) set up the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) in Bengaluru to focus on AI solutions for military use.
  • Future of AI in Military Aviation:
  • The successful AI-piloted F-16 marks the beginning of a new era in autonomous systems in military aviation.
  • India is actively investing in AI for defense technologies, which could lead to AI-powered fighter jets and other military advancements.

Why In News

In a groundbreaking development at Edwards Air Force Base, an experimental F-16 fighter jet was recently piloted by artificial intelligence (AI) rather than a human, demonstrating the growing capabilities of AI in high-performance military aviation. This marks a significant step toward autonomous flight systems that could one day replace human pilots in complex combat scenarios.

MCQs about AI Pilots an F-16 Fighter Jet

  1. What is the F-16 Fighting Falcon known for?
    A. Speed, agility, and versatility
    B. Long-range nuclear capabilities
    C. Stealth technology
    D. Vertical takeoff and landing
    Correct Answer: A. Speed, agility, and versatility
    Explanation: The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole fighter aircraft known for its speed, agility, and versatility, capable of performing various missions including air-to-air combat and ground attack.
  2. Which Indian aircraft is similar to the F-16 Fighting Falcon?
    A. Sukhoi Su-30MKI
    B. HAL Tejas
    C. Mirage 2000
    D. Boeing F/A-18 Hornet
    Correct Answer: B. HAL Tejas
    Explanation: The HAL Tejas is a lightweight, multirole fighter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force, similar in agility and versatility to the F-16.
  3. When did India establish the Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) and the Defence AI Council (DAIC)?
    A. 2020
    B. 2018
    C. 2019
    D. 2021
    Correct Answer: C. 2019
    Explanation: India established the Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) and the Defence AI Council (DAIC) in 2019 to oversee AI-based defense projects, including autonomous systems and robotics.
  4. What is the purpose of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) in Bengaluru?
    A. To develop AI for commercial use
    B. To develop AI solutions for the automotive industry
    C. To focus on AI research for military applications
    D. To train pilots for autonomous aircraft
    Correct Answer: C. To focus on AI research for military applications
    Explanation: The Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) in Bengaluru, set up by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), focuses on AI research for military applications such as autonomous systems and robotics.

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading