The use of drones or uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) in warfare is not new, but their prominence in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine signals a critical shift in their application and potential.

With the rise of combat drones, the fabric of military aviation is undergoing a profound transformation. UAS are not only transforming surveillance and reconnaissance operations but are also taking on more active roles in combat, altering how air superiority is achieved and maintained. The burgeoning role of drones is a testament to the agility and innovation that characterize modern militaries.

As the war in Ukraine has vividly demonstrated, drones provide military forces with a plethora of strategic advantages. From the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 to small, commercial quadcopters, UAS have proven to be force multipliers on the battlefield.

Ukraine’s effective use of drones has played a pivotal role in its defense against a larger adversary, enabling rapid decision-making and simplifying the “kill chain.”

Combat drones are slated to become the centerpiece of 6th generation combat aircraft. For example, the American Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program and European New Generation Fighter (NGF) and Tempest projects are all moving in this direction, with drones anticipated to significantly disrupt both industrial and doctrinal paradigms.

However, there’s a divergence in the design and use of these drones across various initiatives. While Russia’s S-70 Okhotnik-B resembles traditional combat aircraft in performance and cost, the United States and its allies are trending toward more economical models, such as the semi-expendable drones targeted by the NGAD program.

The U.S. Navy’s shift toward acquiring combat drones that can operate independently or alongside manned aircraft is a case in point. With a vision of a drone fleet that constitutes more than 60% of its combat aircraft, the service is emphasizing the affordability and tactical utility of these systems.

The operational capabilities of these UAS, whether heavy drones like the S-70, Loyal Wingmen types, or expendable drones, have been widely discussed. However, the implications for the industrial and budgetary model of fighter aviation are vast.

Ownership costs are projected to be substantially lower for combat drones compared to traditional combat aircraft, leading to a potential revolution in fighter fleets’ design, doctrines, and industrial balance.

Yet, the ability of air forces to react and adapt their resources to evolving needs and challenges hinges on the continuous generational evolution of drones. The rapid production volumes and shorter lifespans of drones could prompt a shift in aircraft production, with potential repercussions for manufacturers and the broader defense industry.

In essence, the introduction of combat drones is poised to radically reshape the future combat aircraft paradigms, changing the role of piloted aircraft from direct action to coordination and control of these unmanned capabilities. Countries like France recognize the significance of this shift, with plans to design combat drones that can support the evolution of their fighter capabilities.

The lessons from Ukraine underscore the strategic need for NATO to enhance its drone capabilities, focusing on interoperability, survivability, and training. The persistent UAS presence on modern battlefields necessitates a fresh approach to land warfare and force protection.

As such, understanding and integrating drones into a wider military ecosystem is not only a strategic imperative but also a reflection of the forward-thinking adaptability required in contemporary military operations.

The military landscape is witnessing a paradigm shift, where drones are not merely supplemental tools but core components of strategic air power.

It is imperative for NATO and its member states to grasp the enormity of this shift and respond accordingly, with investment in technology, personnel, and doctrine that align with the dynamic nature of drone warfare. The future of air superiority is being rewritten, and the time to adapt is now.

Relevant articles:
– How will combat drones disrupt the industrial and doctrinal equation of fighter aviation?, Meta-Defense
– How Will Drones Impact the Future of Military Warfare?, ZenaDrone Inc.
– Radiological, Electromagnetic, Drone & Metaverse Risks and Issues – DRONE DELIVERY OF CBNRECy – DEW WEAPONS Emerging Threats of Mini, pressbooks.pub
– An Urgent Matter of Drones, Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)