Uncertain Future

摘要

The loss of U.S. unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Libya, Iran and elsewhere demonstrate the growing vulnerability of the systems as defenses against them become more sophisticated. 1. "The current platforms and systems cannot survive in a high threat environment, period. End of story," said Daniel Goure, vice president of the Lexington Institute in Arlington, Va. 2. UAVs will face such threats as radars, anti-aircraft missiles and artillery, manned aircraft, electronic jamming, hacking and spoofing in the combat zones of tomorrow. 3. New air vehicle design, increased sensor range, onboard defenses, greater autonomy, improved engines and advanced software are among the capabilities future UAVs will require.