[Scrambler Bob]

Actually - everything that flies will be automated, soon.
= = =

OK, and next include all the passengers.

They can go to their virtual destination and vacation via Zoom.

[Chainmail]

I think you miss the point: the application is for military offensive combat applications - you know, air superiority, Close Air Support, interdiction, etc.

Medevacs and transport aviation will still carry people.

If a maneuvering unmanned fighter doesn't require a human on board, it can go to much higher G-limits and be more compact/more difficult to see/lower Radar Cross Section. The AI that is being developed is just the first stage. Imagine an "antiaircraft system" with more than a 1000 mile range, doesn't require human intervention, a very high probability of winning against enemy aircraft, doesn't require a line-of-site gun system, and best of all, it doesn't have to come back.

If we don't get ahead of this, our enemies will.