AI-Piloted Fighter Jets
schneier.comOne big advantage of AI-piloted fighter jets is that they can use accelerations that could not be tolerated by humans. Also, in theory they could be faster.
But it seems a very dangerous development.
I was under the impression that "over the horizon" anti-aircraft (air or ground launched) missile systems made dog fights obsolete.
Stealth and other tactics can mitigate medium and long range missiles. Terminal guidance, energy management and tracking can be difficult in Beyond Visual Range engagements against savvy pilots. (Over the ocean, it tends to be a lot more effective because ground clutter and mountains aren't a factor)
For example: Russian strategies for the caucuses involved using terrain masking and IR seeking medium range missiles to fight from cover.
Even straightforward BVR combat can often devolve to a dogfight as situational awareness fades and aircraft get close to the ground while defending.
As a final note, rules of engagement can result in fighters having to intercept targets and identify intent before engaging. If the target maneuvers offensively you are pretty much in a dogfight immediately. This is what makes AI pilots capable of Basic Fighter Maneuver combat such an asset.
With AI flown planes, restrictive rules of engagement don't end up getting a pilot killed. Send the drone ahead to suss out the fighter encroaching on your surface assets and then shoot them with slammers if they kill the drone. Even better if the drone can defend itself.