Post-Modern Warfighting with Unmanned Vehicle Systems Esoteric Chimera or Essential Capability?

摘要

Two years ago I addressed a RUSI Conference on the subject of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). What has changed since then? The lexicon, for one thing. This article covers Unmanned Vehicle Systems (UVSs), of which UAVs are but one element. Secondly, the Royal Air Force now has first-hand experience in flying Predator in operational theatres. Thirdly, the expectations of both the informed and uninformed communities have grown massively. The foundations for this step-change in attitudes are questionable, and increased familiarity through media exposure should not be mistaken for hard evidence. Fourthly, the UK defence community has a much clearer idea of where it needs to go with UVSs, what is affordable and what capability might be achievable. In this article I will look at capability in its broader sense and thus answer my own somewhat impish question:'Esoteric Chimera or Essential Capability?'