Newton, Kansas, residents raise moral and environmental concerns over Shield AI plan to test AI fighter jets at city airport
Why It MattersCommunity pushback at a small Kansas general-aviation airport shows that siting autonomous military aircraft tests at local airfields can run into resident opposition on ethical grounds.
Shield AI, a company that develops artificial intelligence fighter jets, drones and other technology, plans to test its aircraft at the Newton City/County Airport in Kansas. The Newton City Commission, city staff and area residents discussed the project on Tuesday.

City staff reviewed several questions submitted by community members, including worries about noise and chemical runoff, but moral concerns about the technology and its potential uses were the main issue raised. Dennis Campbell, a resident and North Newton City Council member, said many people in the community are Mennonite.

















































