Founded in 1994, San Diego-based Kratos Defense has partnered extensively with the U.S. military, particularly the Air Force and Marines, to develop advanced unmanned systems like the Valkyrie fighter jet. According to Finley, keeping humans in the decision-making loop is critical to preventing the feared "Terminator" scenario from taking place.
“If a weapon is involved or a maneuver risks human life, a human decision-maker is always in the loop,” Finley said. “There's always a safeguard—a 'stop' or 'hold'—for any weapon release or critical maneuver."