Emerging Technologies Archives - The Air Power Journal

Command and Control, Interoperability

De-Centralized Command and Control: Implications for Air Battle Management and Mission Command

Future C2 architectures are being developed with some degree of decentralization to make it harder for opposing forces to find, target, and degrade key C2 nodes. A highly automated, decentralized C2 and data-sharing network however remains beyond reach and without the ability to replace human crews, air forces will remain dependent on centralized legacy systems.

Professor Justin Bronk, Senior Research Fellow, Royal United Services Institute, United Kingdom

Innovation, Leadership

Identifying Future Technology and Workforce Requirements for Air Operations

The national defense strategy emphasizes the importance of skills like cyber security and drone piloting. Using a strategies-to-tasks approach helps translate high-level goals into practical plans, guiding resource allocation. Aligning strategy with mission roles requires careful planning, particularly with advanced technologies like hypersonics and AI. Overcoming cultural barriers and addressing workforce training are essential for successful transformation.

Dr. Sherrill Lingel, Program Director for Force Modernization and Employment, RAND Corporation, United States

AI, Human Factors, Human-Machine Teaming

Teaming Humans and AI-Assisted Machines: The Human Systems Integration Approach

Lying at the intersection of human factors and human-computer interaction, human systems integration (HSI) aims to seamlessly team humans with AI-assisted machines. Critical for this integration are trust, collaboration, and familiarity, especially in high-risk environments. Tools like digital twins and human-in-the-loop simulations enhance HSI, while standardizing principles and improving user feedback are crucial for success.

Professor Guy André Boy, FlexTech Chair Holder, CentraleSupélec, Paris Saclay University, France

AI, Human Factors

Disruptive AI:
The Accelerating Impact on Next-Generation Air Power

Building upon Peter Singer’s assertion that humankind is losing its monopoly on fighting war, the growing impact of AI in air power is explored, highlighting applications such as fully autonomous systems, virtual co-pilots, loyal wingmen, drone swarms, and autonomous decoys. These advancements enhance combat capabilities, cost-efficiency, and survivability, despite ethical concerns.

Professor Ron Matthews, Tawazun Chair in Defense and Security Capability, Rabdan Academy, UAE, and Visiting Professor in Defense Economics, UK Defense Academy

Human-Machine Teaming, Interoperability

Mosaic Warfare: The March Towards Interconnectivity in US, UK and European Air Power

Information and data-sharing networks are shifting linear decision-making in warfighting to a web of actionable outcomes that can deny, deter, and defeat adversaries. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe are all attempting to create a dynamic and adaptive matrix of capabilities to enable real-time, actionable, and predictive analytics for decision-making and C2.

Anika Torruella, Senior Analyst, Janes, United States

AI, Human-Machine Teaming, Innovation

The Artificial Intelligence Wave and the Future of Air Power

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) for processing large amounts of data and making decisions have enhanced existing capabilities and made new ones possible. However, the future direction and character of AI in air power will depend on the strategic, organizational, and operational agility of air forces to define and shape the role of AI within their operational constructs.