Theater-Capable Unmanned Aircraft Systems in 2035 - Joint Warfighting Synergy or a Joint Liability
Abstract
The strategic environment and national security challenges confronting the United States in the next 25 years are complex and uncertain, characterized by an ever-accelerating pace of change. The rise of new global powers, increased influence of non-state actors, proliferation of WMD technologies, and the evolution of several profound socio-economic challenges will threaten international order and security. Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), leveraging strengths of persistence, versatility and reduced risk to human life, provide a vital synergistic capability toward countering these 2035 threats. However, in order to realize the untapped potential of UAS, the services must make a significant course correction - agreeing now to focus on increased system interoperability and overcoming several sources of friction in the stove-piped ways these systems are currently developed, procured, and employed. The past decade has seen UAS play a growing role in US military operations, with JFCs embracing the unique capabilities provided by unmanned technologies across an ever-expanding mission set. Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have validated UAS capability to drastically increase situational awareness and provide critical effects throughout the battlespace. In response to warfighter demand, UAS acquisition to date has consisted of individual services short-circuiting normal DoD acquisition processes and fielding service-specific, proprietary, stand-alone systems as rapidly as possible.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2011
- Accession Number
- AD1018749
Entities
People
- John J. Menozzi
Organizations
- Air War College