U.S. F-35 Fighter Jet Tests AI-Enhanced Targeting Capability

According to a report by Reference News on March 2, the U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin announced on February 23 that it successfully tested the F-35 fighter jet's capability to use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance targeting during flight.

The test, part of a project called "Guardian," was conducted at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, integrating an AI machine learning model into the aircraft's information control system.

The AI model generates data based on the environment surrounding the aircraft and analyzes this information to present potential targets to the pilot.

Lockheed Martin stated that this is the first tactical AI model to independently recommend operational targets to fighter pilots.

Jack Watts, Vice President of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Combat Systems, said the company will continue to develop AI-driven decision models to help pilots identify operational targets more quickly.

The use of AI technology on fighter jets follows a new directive issued by the U.S. Air Force in April 2025. This directive states that AI will be integrated as a force multiplier throughout the Air Force system.

The Air Force noted that it will use AI as a tool to "enhance the operational capabilities of Air Force personnel," as AI "lacks situational awareness and reasoning abilities."

The Air Force stated: "Military decision-making authority rests with Air Force personnel, but AI can enable them to make operational decisions more quickly and effectively."

A report released by Georgetown University's Center for Security and Emerging Technologies pointed out that, from a military perspective, AI has practical applications, but it must be used cautiously, as data biases, such as those from deceptive or manipulated AI models, pose potential risks. (Translated by Li Sha)