A Temporary Calm in the Night Sky

The South China Sea’s night sky returned to a brief state of tranquility. Only scattered aircraft signals lingered in the upper atmosphere, drifting like specters in the dark.

But the war was far from over.

It had merely changed form.

The U.S. carrier strike group had temporarily withdrawn, but the battlefield had shifted into a new phase—unmanned warfare.

This time, the enemy was no longer manned F-35I stealth fighters, but an autonomous squadron of AI-controlled combat drones.

The AI Fighter Swarm Approaches

Tactical data feeds indicated that a formation of XQ-58A “Valkyrie” unmanned combat drones had been launched from the USS Washington carrier battle group, flying at high speeds and ultra-low altitude across the South China Sea.

The XQ-58A Valkyrie was no ordinary reconnaissance drone like the MQ-25. It was an AI-powered, stealth-enabled, autonomous combat aircraft, designed for full-spectrum warfare.

These drones required no human pilot input, capable of making split-second combat decisions, conducting electronic warfare, executing reconnaissance, performing coordinated attacks, and even baiting enemy defenses.

Unlike traditional drones, the Valkyries were fast, well-armed, and had no fear of being shot down.

They were disposable warriors.

“Song Xu, these drones are not just fast—they analyze and adapt to combat tactics in real time. If we engage carelessly, they’ll coordinate their response.”

Shen Xue’s voice carried an uncharacteristic edge of concern.

“Understood.”

Song Xu’s hawk-like gaze locked onto the tactical display. The red signals of the XQ-58A drones were closing in fast.

Their key advantage was clear—AI felt no fear. It could push combat strategies to extreme levels, executing high-risk maneuvers without hesitation.

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AI Combat Tactics in Action

Glancing at the tactical display, Song Xu quickly realized something unsettling—these drones were not flying in a predictable pattern.

Instead, they were constantly adjusting their formations, shifting positions in real time, forming multi-layered attack networks that systematically limited the movement options of the J-31C squadron.

“Their AI processing power has improved since last time.” Shen Xue’s voice crackled over the radio.

“Yes.” Song Xu’s voice remained calm. “They’re using a ‘multi-layered encirclement’ strategy. Each drone can serve as bait, luring us in while the others reposition for a counterattack.”

That was the terrifying nature of AI warfare—the enemy didn’t rely on human reflexes or intuition. It calculated.

By analyzing thousands of past engagements, the AI could predict a pilot’s actions and adjust accordingly.

But AI had a weakness—it was still limited to mathematical models and pattern recognition.

If Song Xu could make a decision outside of its predictive framework, he could disrupt its entire strategy.

Strategic Countermeasures

Song Xu’s mind raced as he formulated a plan.

“All units, split into two teams. We’re using a ‘layered ambush’ strategy.”

His tactical orders were sharp and precise:

Thunderhawk Team One (Song Xu, Shen Xue, Thunderhawk Three)

• High-altitude strike team

• Target: Eliminate the lead AI drones before they reach engagement range.

• Engagement method: PL-15 long-range missiles for preemptive strikes.

Thunderhawk Team Two (Thunderhawk Four, Five, and Six)

• Low-altitude intercept team

• Target: Disrupt and stall the AI reinforcements.

• Engagement method: PL-10E short-range dogfighting missiles to force the AI into close combat.

• Additional role: Electronic warfare (ECM) interference to disrupt AI data-sharing capabilities.

“Shen Xue, your priority is to jam their data links. We need to slow down their calculations.”

“Got it. I’ll make sure their brains short-circuit.”

“All units, prepare for engagement!”

The Battle Begins

The radar alarm blared—the XQ-58A drones had entered attack range.

“Thunderhawk Team One, launch long-range missiles! PL-15s—FIRE!”

Eight PL-15 air-to-air missiles streaked across the sky, closing in on the approaching AI drones.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

The explosions lit up the night sky. Three XQ-58As were destroyed.

But the remaining five immediately scattered in a highly coordinated defensive maneuver—splitting apart and rapidly reassembling into a counter-offensive formation.

“Damn… their response time is insane.” Shen Xue muttered.

“Don’t panic. Move to Phase Two.”

“Thunderhawk Team Two, engage ECM jamming! Disrupt their data link!”

A burst of electromagnetic interference filled the air. The Chinese fighters released a powerful ECM pulse, throwing the AI network into temporary chaos.

The XQ-58As wavered for a moment—their formation disrupted.

“It’s working! Their coordination is breaking down!” Shen Xue reported.

“Now’s our chance. Close-range engagement!”

The AI’s Counterattack

But the AI wasn’t defenseless.

The remaining five drones suddenly shifted tactics, executing a layered attack formation:

• Two drones dove rapidly, trying to force Song Xu into a downward kill zone.

• Three drones remained at high altitude, ready to launch missiles from above.

“They’re setting up a crossfire kill trap!” Thunderhawk Four shouted.

“Too predictable.”

Song Xu smirked and executed an unorthodox maneuver—one the AI wouldn’t expect.

A high-speed lateral roll + reverse dive!

The J-31C pulled a full 10G barrel roll, dropping below the AI’s firing arcs at supersonic speedbefore flipping into a head-on engagement angle.

The AI failed to compute a proper counter-reaction.

“PL-10E, fire!”

BOOM! BOOM!

Two more XQ-58As were destroyed.

“Damn! You broke their calculations! They can’t keep up!” Shen Xue exclaimed.

The remaining three AI drones suddenly changed behavior, realizing the tide had turned.

They switched to emergency retreat mode.

Victory—For Now

“Thunderhawk Squadron, do not pursue. Mission accomplished. Return to carrier.”

Song Xu exhaled slowly, watching the AI fighters vanish from radar range.

Tonight, human ingenuity had prevailed over artificial intelligence.

But deep inside, he knew this victory was temporary.

The AI had learned.

Next time, it would return stronger, smarter.

And the real war between man and machine had only just begun.