Maximizing the Utility of Naval Unmanned Systems

摘要

The expanding use of armed, unmanned systems is not only changing the face of modern warfare, but is also altering the process of decision-making in combat operations. These systems have been used extensively in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and will continue to be equally relevant-if not more so-as the United States' strategic focus shifts towards the Asia-Pacific region and the high-end warfare this strategy requires. The Department of Defense's vision for unmanned systems is to integrate these systems into the Joint force for a number of reasons, but especially to reduce the risk to human life in high threat areas, to deliver persistent surveillance over areas of interest, and to provide options to warfighters that derive from the inherent advantages of unmanned technologies-especially their ability to operate autonomously.