Moreover, a pilotless fighter would be smaller and capable of maneuvers that a human pilot could not handle.
Another approach to this automation appeared in the form of PIBOT, which puts a robot in the pilot’s seat. The robot is designed to handle the flight controls like a human but do it under AI control. Tests so far have been successful and the test and development program is scheduled to be completed by 2026 with versions available for commercial and military aircraft. PIBOT can also be adapted to operate trucks and other vehicles. That means military truck convoys could use PIBOT to replace all but one or two of the human drivers.
There are so many retired F-16s available that there are plenty that could be used as combat UAVs. The F-16 manufacturer is not doing UAV conversion research, but rather another aircraft company, Boeing, which sees a potential market for such aircraft. These UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles) already exist as the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper. But an MQ-16 would be cheaper. This would be an inexpensive way to see what a more ambitious and larger UCAV could do.