Combined Arms Warfare and Unmanned Aircraft Systems: A New Era of Strategic Competition

Unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) have significantly impacted warfare over the past two decades, with a comparative case study approach examining their use in the Nagorno-Karabakh war, Ukraine war, and Northern Edge-21 exercise. UASs have been increasingly integrated into combined arms warfare and are likely to play an increasingly important role in strategic competition and warfare with countries like China and Russia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 68 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) have emerged as a vital component in modern warfare, with their utilization spanning over the past two decades. Their significance has been particularly evident in counterterrorism operations, where they have provided a unique and cost-effective means of gathering intelligence and conducting targeted strikes. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the utility of UASs, this latest report from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) employs a comparative case study approach, examining three significant conflicts: the Nagorno-Karabakh war in 2020, the Ukraine war in 2022, and the Northern Edge-21 exercise in the Indo-Pacific in 2021.

Through these case studies, it becomes evident that UASs have undergone a significant transition, moving from being isolated tools to being integrated seamlessly into combined arms warfare. This integration has brought about a paradigm shift in the way wars are fought, enabling greater precision, flexibility, and efficiency in military operations.

One of the key observations from the report is the increasing role of UASs in conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions. These unmanned vehicles can fly over hostile terrain and gather critical intelligence, providing a real-time advantage to military commanders. They can also be equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, enabling them to capture high-quality images and videos, which can be used for intelligence analysis, target identification, and strategic planning.

In addition to their surveillance capabilities, UASs have also demonstrated their effectiveness in conducting targeted strikes against enemy targets. Their precision and accuracy make them ideal for eliminating specific individuals or groups, reducing the risk to human life and minimizing collateral damage. UASs can be launched from remote locations, allowing for a swift and responsive response to changing situations on the ground.

Furthermore, UASs have played a significant role in supporting ground troops and providing them with real-time information and situational awareness. They can be used to survey enemy terrain, identify enemy positions, and relay critical intelligence to command centers, enabling ground forces to make informed decisions and execute effective operations.

The integration of UASs into combined arms warfare has also raised several ethical and legal considerations. The use of unmanned vehicles in combat raises questions about the accountability and responsibility of military personnel, as well as the potential for civilian casualties. There are also concerns about the potential for cyberattacks and other forms of technological interference, which could compromise the security and reliability of UASs.

To address these challenges, it is essential to establish clear guidelines and regulations for the use of UASs in warfare. This includes ensuring that UASs are operated by trained and qualified personnel, that they are used in compliance with international law and humanitarian principles, and that they are subject to proper oversight and accountability mechanisms.

In conclusion, the integration of UASs into modern warfare has brought about a significant change in the way wars are fought. These unmanned vehicles have proven to be versatile, effective, and cost-efficient tools for conducting surveillance, reconnaissance, targeted strikes, and supporting ground troops. However, their use also raises ethical and legal considerations that must be addressed to ensure their responsible and effective deployment. As strategic competition between countries continues to intensify, it is likely that UASs will play an increasingly important role in future conflicts, and it is essential to invest in their development and deployment to maintain military superiority.

Weight: 228g
Dimension: 215 x 280 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538170588