Boeing seen as supporting research funding for unmanned technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI)
WASHINGTON – Artificial intelligence (AI) technology that enables military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to fly alongside manned warplanes has emerged as a rare area of corporate investment for Boeing’s defense business amid companywide cost-cutting initiatives designed to stabilize its commercial jetliner division. Defense One reports. Continue reading original article
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
18 March 2021 -- Boeing officials have announced that an AI-equipped UAV is under development for the Australian military, and has flown for the first time. Executives see these loyal wingman drones as an untapped market with lots of potential.
Australian government officials have purchased six unmanned aircraft as part of their Airpower Teaming System project. In December, U.S. Air Force experts awarded Boeing, Kratos, and General Atomics contracts to build prototypes for their own Skyborg project.
Still, some have questioned just how dedicated the Air Force is to the project, which will compete for funding with expensive fighter jets, bombers, and aerial tankers amid an expected decline in defense spending.
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John Keller, chief editor
Military & Aerospace Electronics
