Lockheed’s Skunk Works Arm, Air Force Demo AI-Based Autonomous ISR Tech in Contested Environment

Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force have demonstrated the capability of an artificial intelligence-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform to support the operations of warfighters in contested environments.

Lockheed’s Skunk Works unit partnered with the Air Force Test Pilot School to test the AI-powered autonomous ISR system integrated into an F-16 aircraft through a pod and found that the tool helped detect and determine the target’s location and capture an image of the target in a simulated environment in which communications are denied, the company said Wednesday.

“As the battlespace becomes increasingly contested, human-machine teams will enable operators to collect critical intelligence in denied communications environments, ensuring our warfighters get information they need when they need it,” said George Hellstern, program manager for AI solutions at Skunk Works. “We are proud to partner to advance a novel capability, allowing the warfighter to adapt in a rapidly changing operational environment and still get critical data to perform the mission.”