The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry is known for its stringent security protocols and risk-averse approach to new technologies. Despite this, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining traction in A&D manufacturing due to its proven ability to enhance efficiency, quality, and decision-making. While AI adoption offers substantial benefits, it also introduces challenges related to compliance, security, and ethical use.
In the U.S., the AI regulatory landscape is continually evolving and changing. President Trump’s recent Executive Order on AI encourages AI research, development, and deployment while maintaining the highest concern for national security. Several additional government agency guidelines and recommendations exist and A&D manufacturers should remain diligent in adhering to these AI best practices to ensure responsible, safe, and compliant implementation.
AI Regulations and Guidelines
Although the regulatory framework for AI in the U.S. remains a work in progress, and there are no overarching federal laws governing AI, several agencies have established guidelines to promote secure and ethical AI use.
Federal Regulations and Guidelines
- Department of Defense (DoD) AI Ethical Principles
- The DoD has outlined ethical principles for AI in five main areas to ensure its use in defense applications is responsible, equitable, traceable, reliable, and governable. As many A&D manufacturers work closely with the DoD, it’s crucial to stay compliant and up to date with their guidelines.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework (AI-RMF)
- NIST’s AI-RMF provides a 4-prong step-by-step structured approach to managing AI-related risks:
- Govern: Establish AI policies and governance structures.
- Map: Identify risks and operational contexts.
- Measure: Assess AI performance, biases, and vulnerabilities.
- Manage: Implement controls to mitigate risks.
Their playbook provides detailed recommended actions for each phase and is an excellent resource for A&D manufacturers.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) AI Safety Assurance Roadmap – This roadmap guides the safe integration of AI into aircraft and related systems while also utilizing AI to improve aviation safety.
State-Level Regulations
Some states have introduced AI-specific regulations, particularly regarding transparency in decision-making. For example, California’s AI Transparency Laws require AI-driven decision-making processes to be explainable and accountable, ensuring fairness and avoiding unintended biases. A&D manufacturers operating in multiple states must ensure they follow federal and state requirements.
International Considerations
U.S. A&D manufacturers often work with global partners and customers, necessitating adherence to international AI regulations. Compliance with frameworks such as the European Union’s AI Act, which categorizes AI risks and sets stringent requirements for high-risk AI applications, is essential for companies engaged in cross-border trade and manufacturing.
iBase-t AI Applications Ensure Compliance, Security, and Ethical Use
iBase-t has built Solumina AI to optimize manufacturing execution, quality management, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) processes for A&D manufacturers. Recognizing the challenges associated with AI adoption, iBase-t takes a proactive approach to ensure its AI solutions are secure, compliant, and ethically sound.
AI Accuracy and Reliability
To maintain AI integrity and reliability, iBase-t implements several key measures:
- Model validation and testing: AI models undergo rigorous validation to ensure they perform as expected in various operational scenarios.
- Data integrity checks: Continuous monitoring of data quality prevents biases and inaccuracies in AI-driven decisions.
- Human oversight: AI-generated insights are reviewed by our experts to confirm accuracy and reliability.
- Alignment with NIST AI RMF: iBase-t follows best practices to minimize and mitigate AI-related risks.
Cybersecurity
Given the sensitivity of A&D manufacturing data, cybersecurity is a top priority. iBase-t employs:
- Adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regulations: Provides strict access controls and continuous monitoring to prevent unauthorized access
- Secure AI development lifecycle: AI models are developed with built-in security measures to mitigate vulnerabilities.
- Cybersecurity maturity model certification (CMMC) & NIST 800-171: Adherence to these regulations ensures robust protection of controlled information.
- Data privacy protection: Data used for AI-driven insights is handled with the strictest confidentiality measures to comply with privacy regulations.
As AI regulations continue to evolve, staying ahead of compliance requirements is crucial for A&D manufacturers. iBase-t is dedicated to supporting manufacturers in adopting AI responsibly, providing solutions that prioritize accuracy and security. As we continue to integrate AI into our software solutions, we will do so responsibly so that A&D manufacturers can leverage AI’s transformative potential to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity with peace of mind that their data is safe and compliant.
Explore iBase-t’s AI-powered solutions for future-ready manufacturing: iBase-t AI in Aerospace Manufacturing
