Defence

Boeing to Develop AI-Powered Lethal Fighter Jets for US Defense

Boeing has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to develop a fleet of lethal, AI-piloted fighter aircraft for the United States military. According to the report, from DailyMail.

These “un-crewed” jets, officially dubbed the MQ-28 Ghost Bats, are designed to operate autonomously, guided by sophisticated artificial intelligence. The ambitious project envisions thousands of these AI-driven aircraft in the skies, sparking both excitement and concern about the implications of such technology.

UAE suspended talks over Multi billion dollar F-35 deal

Currently, Boeing’s working prototypes of the Ghost Bat, being developed in both the US and Australia, boast impressive capabilities.

At 38 feet in length, each drone can fly more than 2,300 miles and is equipped with artificial intelligence to operate independently. The aircraft also features roughly 53 cubic feet of storage capacity within its nose for interchangeable payloads, allowing it to carry an array of bombs and munitions, including potentially multiple tactical nuclear weapons.

While the Ghost Bats represent a significant leap forward in military technology, critics argue that these plans raise pressing questions about public safety, national security, and the ethical use of taxpayer funds. The concern stems from the potential for machines to select and strike targets without direct human intervention, which could fundamentally change the nature of warfare.

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The Pentagon estimates that each AI-controlled drone will cost approximately $30 million, but the final version is still open to bids from Boeing’s competitors, with a longer timeline extending into 2029 and beyond.

The US Air Force has requested $557 million for the fiscal year 2025 to develop and test its AI fighter program, with the ultimate goal of securing a multibillion-dollar contract to build a fleet of 1,000 AI jets. The urgency behind Boeing’s project stems from the United States’ drive to maintain an edge over China in the race to integrate AI into weapon systems

Defence

UAE suspended talks over Multi billion dollar F-35 deal

In a significant development for military procurement in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has decided to suspend talks regarding a multi-billion dollar deal for F-35 Joint Strike Fighters.

This decision, which affects a proposed acquisition of fifty F-35 jets, along with advanced drones and munitions, stems from ongoing concerns over stringent U.S. restrictions aimed at safeguarding against potential Chinese espionage.

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The UAE, which has long expressed interest in acquiring the F-35 for its advanced stealth technology and operational capabilities, announced the suspension in December 2021. This aircraft would have marked a milestone for the UAE, making it only the second nation in the region, after Israel, to operate these sophisticated fighter jets.

A senior UAE official recently reiterated the country’s position, stating, “Our position remains unchanged and we do not anticipate discussions regarding the F-35 being reopened for the foreseeable future.” The official cited ongoing technical requirements, sovereign operational restrictions, and cost-benefit analyses as key factors in the decision to pause negotiations.

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While there is speculation about a potential revival of talks should Donald Trump win a second term as president, the UAE has made it clear that the same challenges that halted discussions in 2021 persist today. The F-35, known for its cutting-edge sensor suite and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, evolved from the Lockheed Martin X-35, which won the Joint Strike Fighter program in 2001, besting the Boeing X-32.

As of now, the U.S. remains the primary customer and financial backer of the F-35 program, with additional contributions from allied nations including the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Canada, Turkey, Australia, Norway, and Denmark, collectively pledging over $4.375 billion towards its development. The future of the UAE’s aspirations for F-35 acquisition remains uncertain, contingent on both regional security dynamics and U.S. political developments.