Fe a tu r e
acquisition paradigm. Investment in breakthrough technologies such as AI is part of that transformation. A complementary next-generation air combat system spread across multiple platforms and technologies—crewed and autonomous—that has AI as a key component needs to be prioritised as an opportunity for common development with our Five Eyes partners, especially the US. The Australian Defence Force could work with its US counterparts, or with allies and partners in Europe and Japan, to develop future air combat capabilities that will complement and, ultimately, replace the F-35 sooner than the 2040s. Boeing’s ‘loyal wingman’ drone is a good first step and may be able to be evolved into a potent future air combat capability. It’s time for the RAAF to be forwardlooking and proactive in accelerating the acquisition of the next generation of air combat capabilities. That effort should incorporate the broad application of AI—inside the cockpit and across the battlespace—to allow our military to think and act at machine speed. Of course, there are risks in moving fast. AI is still a relatively new technology, and its complexity needs to be mastered. Networking a multitude of offboard sensors that an AI algorithm can use to inform
aircrew of the common operating picture will require significant investment in software development, supported by the establishment of research facilities and the training of personnel. It will require a substantial boost in digital high-speed communications bandwidth to work. That’s likely to require investment in other technology areas—notably, satellite-based laseroptical communications and quantum technologies. Nor will the ADF operate in an uncontested electromagnetic domain. Potential adversaries such as China are already developing sophisticated capabilities in electronic and network warfare, so our tactical command and control, including elements controlled by an AI ‘backseater’, must be robust and resilient. Meeting all of those challenges will take time, money and skilled personnel. The US Air Force’s U-2 demonstration of ARTUµ is one step down a path towards tomorrow’s airpower, and Australia needs to proceed with determination to achieve success. Malcom Davies https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/theartificial-intelligence-backseater-in-futureair-combat/
Right: File photos of MQ-4C Triton. Courtesy of Northrop Grumman. Image has been manipulated.
JOINT strike fighter program takes off Australia's $65 billion Joint Strike Fighter program has been given a lift with Williamtown to be a regional hub for maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the RAAF's F-35A Lightning II fleet based near Newcastle was now 33 strong and ready to deploy on operations. As well as servicing RAAF aircraft, BAE Systems Australia's Williamtown maintenance depot will host aircraft from Japan, Korea and Singapore. "This is about protecting and securing Australia's interests but it's also creating jobs and driving investment right here in the Hunter and across the country too,"
"This induction demonstrates the world-leading capability of our local defence industry here in Australia." Mr Morrison said. More than 50 companies will share in $2.7 billion worth of contracts as part of the F-35 program. It is understood the program is on budget and on schedule, with work under way on routine structural modifications to improve the airframe. Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said there were now 41 fully trained RAAF pilots, nine of whom trained on home soil at RAAF Base Williamtown. "We also have more than 225 trained technicians as the RAAF's F-35A maintenance capability continues to
develop." Lockheed Martin Australia is providing training support for more than 70 personnel to be employed at Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal. BAE Systems Australia recently hired 25 former Jetstar employees who had been made redundant as a result of the pandemic. The first F-35A aircraft arrived in Australia in December 2018, with the first F-35A squadron, No. 3 Squadron, to be operational this year. All 72 aircraft are expected to be fully operational by 2023. They replace the ageing F/A-18A/B Hornets which have been in RAAF service since 1985. 41
