mlsanityData to 14 Oct 2026

A survey of air combat behavior modeling using machine learning

arXiv 2404.13954 ↗First posted 22 Apr 2024cs.LG cs.AI cs.MAcited by 3

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Abstract (arXiv)

With the recent advances in machine learning, creating agents that behave realistically in simulated air combat has become a growing field of interest. This survey explores the application of machine learning techniques for modeling air combat behavior, motivated by the potential to enhance simulation-based pilot training. Current simulated entities tend to lack realistic behavior, and traditional behavior modeling is labor-intensive and prone to loss of essential domain knowledge between development steps. Advancements in reinforcement learning and imitation learning algorithms have demonstrated that agents may learn complex behavior from data, which could be faster and more scalable than manual methods. Yet, making adaptive agents capable of performing tactical maneuvers and operating weapons and sensors still poses a significant challenge. The survey examines applications, behavior model types, prevalent machine learning methods, and the technical and human challenges in developing adaptive and realistically behaving agents. Another challenge is the transfer of agents from learning environments to military simulation systems and the consequent demand for standardization. Four primary recommendations are presented regarding increased emphasis on beyond-visual-range scenarios, multi-agent machine learning and cooperation, utilization of hierarchical behavior models, and initiatives for standardization and research collaboration. These recommendations aim to address current issues and guide the development of more comprehensive, adaptable, and realistic machine learning-based behavior models for air combat applications.

Key facts. Cited by 3 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Builds on 28 of its 154 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 22 Apr 2024.

Builds on

28 of 154 references.

References · 28

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16 more
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Citing papers per year: 2025: 3.

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  1. 2024Mastering the Digital Art of War: Developing Intelligent Combat Simulation Agents for Wargaming Using Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning
  2. 2025Coordinated Strategies in Realistic Air Combat by Hierarchical Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning
  3. 2024Scaling Intelligent Agents in Combat Simulations for Wargaming
  4. 2025A Hierarchical Hybrid AI Approach: Integrating Deep Reinforcement Learning and Scripted Agents in Combat Simulations
  5. 2025Towards Human Engagement with Realistic AI Combat Pilots
  6. 2026BVR Sim: An Open and High-Throughput Environment for Heterogeneous Air-Combat Reinforcement Learning
  7. 2021Adaptive Synthetic Characters for Military Training
  8. 2025Light Aircraft Game : Basic Implementation and training results analysis