UCAVs Add Battlefield Mission Capabilities

Unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) have the potential to revolutionize air warfare. The ability of armed UAVs to fly undetected over many areas and launch precision-guided strikes against time-critical targets makes them a major factor in the asymmetric battles that dominate current conflicts.

Their potential, moreover, as platforms for suppression of enemy air-defense systems, airborne early warning of ballistic missile attacks and even boost-phase intercept of ballistic missiles makes them flexible, effective and—importantly—low-cost assets that can engage hostile forces and advanced defenses.

They can do this without risking the lives of pilots and, possibly, help shape the success of future wars.

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