Americas
Lockheed Martin’s advanced projects division has demonstrated how artificial intelligence (AI) could aid air-to-air intercepts in a tactical environment. In a press release, Skunk Works said its AI agent was integrated into an L-29 Delfin aircraft to directly control the jet and execute tactical exercises. With the AI agent managing the aircraft’s heading, speed, and altitude, the Delfin was able to go against a virtual adversary in both offensive and defensive postures. According to the company, eight test cases were conducted per flight to evaluate the agent’s performance in standard head-to-head fights, off-aspect encounters, missile support, and missile defeat.
Slingshot Aerospace has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system for DARPA to localize anomalous capabilities within large satellite constellations. The “Agatha” solution is part of an effort to screen low-earth orbit satellites to increase awareness in space. The California-based company explained the technology was developed through more than six decades of simulated constellation data and was tested to detect outliers in operational, real-world commercial constellations.
Europe
Finland has deployed seven F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets to Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base in Romania, marking their first participation in NATO’s Air Shielding mission. This two-month deployment signifies a crucial step towards Finland’s deeper integration with NATO’s airpower capabilities. The Finnish detachment, led by Lieutenant Colonel Rami Lindström, will train and conduct real-world missions alongside Royal Air Force Typhoon jets and Romanian F-16s. They will participate in Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duties, patrol flights, and joint exercises. This collaboration strengthens regional air defense and bolsters NATO’s collective deterrence posture.
Middle East & Africa
Israel’s UVision has received a $74-million contract to deliver a modified version of its Hero-120 loitering munition to the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Called the Hero-120SF, the special variant will include various enhancements, such as advanced guidance systems and improved payload capacity. The weapon will also boast increased flexibility to enable seamless deployment from various USSOCOM platforms.
Asia-Pacific
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has announced that the upcoming Exercise Pitch Black, taking place from Jul. 12th to Aug. 2nd, 2024, will be the largest in its 43-year history. This significant international military exercise will see the participation of the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour, along with its embarked AV-8B Harrier II and F-35B Lightning II fighter jets. Held biennially, Exercise Pitch Black is renowned for its focus on large-scale, multinational air combat scenarios. This year’s iteration, designated as Exercise Pitch Black 24 (PB24), promises to be the most extensive yet.
The Pentagon announced on Wednesday that the US Department of State had cleared two possible sales to Taiwan of F-16 parts and supporting equipment, valued at a total of $300 million for Taiwan. Since President Joe Biden assumed office in 2021, the agreements would mark the fourteenth arms sale from the US to the island nation.
