AUGUST 2024AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM8By Sjoerd Mevissen, Commander Robots and Autonomous Systems (RAS), Royal LandforceSjoerd Mevissen is the Commander of Robots and Autonomous Systems (RAS) at the Royal Landforce (Royal Netherlands Army). He has extensive experience as a staff officer in the military, showcasing strong skills in operational planning, command, analytics, and driving innovation. His background includes service with the Royal Landforce as well as studies at the prestigious University of Twente. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated leadership capabilities and expertise in leveraging cutting-edge technologies like robotics and autonomous systems to enhance military operations.Through this article, Sjoerd shared his insights on the effective deployment of unmanned systems in defence.The introduction of unmanned systems in the defence sector has the potential to drastically transform military operations. This is visible in the war in Ukraine, where Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV) play a crucial role in reconnaissance, surveillance, and attack missions. These technologies offer new possibilities to monitor the battlefield, conduct precision strikes, and support logistical operations. However, to fully exploit the potential of unmanned systems within defence, mere technical development is not enough. It also requires conceptual and political/economic choices. This article argues that these non-technical aspects are crucial for the effective deployment of unmanned systems in defence. Technological ProgressTechnological innovations form the foundation of current unmanned systems. Advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and improved communication technologies have made UAS and UGV increasingly effective and versatile. These systems can now perform more complex tasks such as long-term surveillance of enemy areas, conducting precision attacks, and supporting logistical operations without direct human intervention. Although these technical advancements are impressive, they represent only part of the story. To effectively deploy these technologies, defence organizations must consider how they can be operationally integrated into existing and new military strategies.Conceptual InnovationsThe development of new operational concepts is essential for the successful integration of unmanned systems. Traditional military tactics and strategies need to be revised to optimally utilize the unique capabilities of these technologies. Usage profiles determine the design variables; the way systems are deployed dictates how they need to be developed. This goes beyond the operational role, such as reconnaissance, logistics, or attack tasks. It involves whether we approach the system as a "loyal wingman" or as an "expendable" system. A "loyal wingman" can be seen as a buddy. A buddy is for life and must be reliable. He stays relatively close to you, and your safety depends on him. Such a system must be robust, reliable, and long-lasting. An "expendable" system, on the other hand, can be seen as a pawn. It is cannon fodder where a loss percentage of more than 40% should not be a problem for the progress or success of the mission. Quantity is the quality here; these systems need to be cheap and available in large numbers. It is not a matter of choosing between both approaches. Both types of systems are needed in military operations. However, the UNMANNED SYSTEMS IN DEFENCE: MORE THAN JUST TECHNOLOGYPOLITICAL AND ECONOMIC CHOICES PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF UNMANNED SYSTEMS IN DEFENCE. AN IMPORTANT STRATEGIC CHOICE CONCERNS THE PRODUCTION OF UNMANNED SYSTEMS. TO BE ABLE TO DEPLOY THESE TECHNOLOGIES AS PAWNS, WE MUST CONSIDER THEM AS AMMUNITIONIn My Opinion
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