Though I'd much prefer to have advances in the technology of diplomacy than that of war, I think having a number of semi-autonomous small drones in formation fl

Though I'd much prefer to have advances in the technology of diplomacy than that of war, I think having a number of semi-autonomous small drones in formation flight around a manned aircraft makes more sense than AI drones. The drone swarm could detect the attacks you describe destructively if needed, so the pilot can dodge.