Lockheed Martin, a renowned aerospace and defense company, has secured a significant contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to advance artificial intelligence capabilities for dynamic airborne missions. Under the $4.6 million deal, Lockheed Martin will develop AI tools as part of DARPA’s Artificial Intelligence Reinforcements (AIR) program.
The primary objective of this project is to enhance Modeling and Simulation (M&S) techniques and create powerful AI agents for live, multi-ship beyond visual range (BVR) missions. By leveraging AI and Machine Learning (ML) methodologies, Lockheed Martin aims to produce surrogate models of various aircraft components, sensors, electronic warfare, and weapons in dynamic and operationally realistic settings.
Gaylia Campbell, the vice president of engineering and technology at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, emphasized the critical role of cutting-edge technologies in supporting complex airborne missions. The DARPA AIR program is expected to harness scientific ML technology and Lockheed Martin’s ARISE infrastructure to deliver vast amounts of data, enabling faster decision-making for service members.
Campbell highlighted the cost-saving benefits for the Department of Defense and the potential for future AI-driven defense solutions. Through this initiative, the U.S. and its allies seek to maintain a competitive edge across diverse operational scenarios. Lockheed Martin’s commitment to advancing AI capabilities underscores its dedication to meeting evolving national security requirements.
Overall, DARPA’s AIR program represents a significant milestone in advancing AI technologies for defense applications. As Lockheed Martin embarks on this 18-month development phase, the focus remains on enhancing predictive performance, agility, and efficiency in airborne missions. The project aligns with the broader goal of bolstering national security and empowering defense stakeholders with innovative technological solutions.