Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall emphasizes the need for rapid decision-making in future warfare to counter emerging threats
Frank Kendall, the Air Force Secretary, highlighted that future wars will rely heavily on artificial intelligence and quick decision-making. He mentioned that winning battles in 25 years will depend on making choices at machine speed, not human speed.
Kendall pointed out that future conflicts will be highly automated and involve long-range precision strikes. He stressed that response times will be incredibly short, requiring a shift in how the Air Force operates.
With advancements in technology, like sensor tech and machine learning, the military can execute complex operations much faster. To stay ahead, the Air Force must innovate continuously.
Kendall also noted that the military landscape is changing. Decisions will increasingly be made without human input, relying on AI to assess situations at lightning speed. This shift is crucial for maintaining an edge in air and space combat.
He expressed concern about China’s military developments, particularly in space, and emphasized the need for a stronger Space Force. The U.S. must protect its forces from potential threats in space to operate effectively.
Kendall compared the current state of the Space Force to a merchant marine, saying it needs to evolve into a more robust naval force. The U.S. is also ramping up its cyber defenses in response to recent hacks attributed to Chinese actors.
Looking ahead, autonomous vehicles and aircraft will play a bigger role in warfare. The Air Force is already testing AI-assisted navigation for jets and developing uncrewed combat aircraft.
However, the integration of AI and human troops poses challenges. Kendall acknowledged that finding a balance that is cost-effective and aligns with American values will be tough. He believes this will be one of the biggest hurdles in the coming years.
