AI in the Skies: The U.S. Air Force’s Path to Next-Gen Air Superiority

The U.S. Air Force is grappling with unprecedented challenges in defending the homeland, deterring peer adversaries, and countering threats from rogue states and terrorist groups. Despite limited funding and decades of deferred modernization, the Air Force must overhaul its major weapon systems across critical mission areas, including long-range strike, battle management, and nuclear deterrence. Innovative technologies like M-series munitions and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) are central to this modernization. These unmanned “robot wingmen” will fly alongside manned platforms, enhancing operational capacity while addressing fiscal and strategic challenges.

During this conversation, Defense One will be joined by a senior USAF leader to discuss the future of CCAs and their critical role in the Air Force’s modernization strategy. They will delve into the technology behind CCAs, how they will be integrated, and how they will shape the future of air combat in an increasingly complex security landscape.