Australian military unveils its first AI-powered drone

Boeing Australia has unveiled the first artifical powered drone called the ''Loyal Wingman'' for the Royal Australian Air Force.

It is also the first military aircraft to be designed and built locally in more than 50 years.

Also read: Scientists release app to track COVID-19 symptoms, inform users about hot spots

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said ''this a truly historic moment for our country and for Australian defense innovation.''

''The Loyal Wingman will be pivotal to exploring the critical capabilities our Air Force needs to protect our nation and its allies into the future,'' he added.

Also read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, China eyes moon trip with successful rocket launch

The Loyal Wingman is a 38-foot-long drone with a range of 2,000 miles.

It will "use artificial intelligence to fly independently, or in support of manned aircraft, while maintaining safe distance between other aircraft," according to Boeing's website on the project.

The drone will be able to engage in electronic warfare as well as intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance missions and swap quickly between those roles, according to Boeing.

The aircraft delivered in Sydney on Tuesday is the first of three prototypes Boeing is producing.