Unmanned systems as “affordable mass”: Justin Bronk on the next generation of stealth combat drones
Cheap enough for risky missions, capable enough to add real value: in a video, air power expert Justin Bronk explains what unmanned systems in the form of stealth combat drones are meant to achieve alongside combat aircraft.
As escorts, force multipliers or protective shields, a new generation of stealth combat drones is to support 5th- and 6th-generation combat aircraft in future. In this video, air power expert Justin Bronk explains how far such unmanned systems could fundamentally change air warfare.
In war games simulating a Pacific scenario, stealth combat drones take on a vanguard role: before crewed platforms enter the fight, they are to “wear down” the enemy air defender early on.
The principle behind stealth combat drones as unmanned systems
“Affordable mass” is the underlying idea: the unmanned systems should cost so little that they can be used even on high-risk missions – with losses accepted as a calculated risk. At the same time, they must be capable enough to add real value on such missions.
The US Air Force calls these drones CCA – Collaborative Combat Aircraft. A fleet of around 1,000 systems is planned for now. To speed up development, two companies were awarded contracts at the same time to deliver the required capabilities.
Photo credits
© Georg Mader
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