The Air domain is undergoing a deep change. This transformation is driven by continuously improving integrated passive radar technology, improved close to long-range anti-aircraft systems and UAVs being available in all sizes and price ranges. Infrared search and track (IRST) sensors and integration of these sensors in a C4ISR environment makes the life of a pilot a challenging one; especially with the overall number of modern generation aircrafts being significantly lower than during the cold war period.
A low price has ensured a broad availability of passive detection technology to players like Russia or China. E.g., the advanced Russian S400 systems with a range of 400 km is a significant threat to each NATO fighter. Also, the Chinese active radar guided long range PL-15 air-to-air missile is a threat to NATO AWACS systems. The PL 21 with a ramjet technology also reaches an estimated range of 400 km guided both with active radar as with active electronically scanned array (AESA). The European FCAS system is an answer to these threats as the modernized F35 US jets. For both improved stealth capabilities are the answer, taken lower range and payload into account.
The armed conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh (2020) between Azerbaijan supported by Turkey and the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh together with Armenia has clearly shown the potential of UAVs (combined with superior C4ISR technology) in a war. Western Forces must question how to exploit the potential of UAVs and how to ensure a multi-domain interoperability, if they want to hold both air-superiority and close air support superiority in the future. To do so Forces must rethink the capabilities, designated roles, and missions for UAVs.
To tap the full potential, manufacturers must focus on developing low-cost systems with reasonable avionic, artificial intelligence capabilities, a modular design with quickly replaceable wings or constituent parts. In case of technical problems parts can be replaced quickly and the downtime of each system can be reduced massively.
Artificial intelligence will improve the efficiency of doing jobs by reducing the time for repetitive jobs, being able to manage large amount of data and is therefore good to handle complexity. AlI in video analysis helps to operate even without GPS and communication capabilities e.g., penetrated by advanced jammers or to avoid being identified by sensor systems.
A critical point will be the human-machine interface and the mapping of duties. Furthermore, smaller and mid-size UAVs shall receive the capability to act from everywhere (“no runway approach”) and act in a collaborative way handling a mission together with shared responsibilities. This can be acting as loitering munition, jammer, sensor systems, AI platform or weapons carrier for air-to-air or ground support munition.
Piloted systems as UAV must act in a network centric approach to utilize the full potential of modern air warfare. Acting as a connected and from a cyber perspective secured group will enhance the lethal strike and defense capabilities of modern Air Force Units significantly. ICT is a lever to reduce the complexity of continuously changing threat environments.