Introduction of Versatile Unmanned Aircraft System: A Combat Power Multiplier for the Macedonian Army
Abstract
The latest events from the conflicts in Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine shifted the focus to the armed Unmanned Aircraft Systems employment in large-scale combat operations and shaped the perspectives for future war. Equipped with precision-guided ammunition, these armed Unmanned Aircraft Systems pushed forward the boundaries for their employment and changed the perception that Unmanned Aircraft Systems were solely Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance assets. Armed Unmanned Aircraft Systems had a vital Close Air Support role by supporting the ground troops and conducting air interdiction missions on enemy Air Defense assets, artillery positions, command and control nodes, units in assembly areas, and logistic convoys that were moving from the rear area to the frontline. Armed Unmanned Aircraft Systems were also embedded with friendly artillery assets, thus providing precise target acquisition and accurate post-strike battle damage assessment. Macedonian Army will severely decrease its Close Air Support and air interdiction capabilities after retiring the Mi-24 combat helicopters in 2025. This study aims to develop a solution for a versatile armed Unmanned Aircraft System as a lucrative option for the Macedonian Army, which can be integrated into the ongoing modernization projects to multiply the overall armed force's capabilities, especially fires, intelligence, and command and control warfighting functions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1210256
Entities
People
- Nikolcho Jovanov
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College