to enhance AI’s role in the Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program and increase human pilots' trust in AI-assisted combat scenarios. The upcoming trial marks the grand finale of a three-part series, where AI-driven F-16 aircraft will challenge a seasoned human pilot in a virtual showdown. Col. Javorsek underscored that irrespective of the outcome, the trials are designed to foster trust and cooperation between humans and machines, a cornerstone of the ACE program’s vision for future air combat scenarios. The series began last November with algorithms in their nascent stages and progressed to a second stage in January, exhibiti