AUGUST 2024AEROSPACEDEFENSEREVIEW.COM9industry must choose where to focus when developing a system. The user and the industry still face challenges in developing "expendable" systems. The user will need to be more creative in developing concepts to fully exploit the potential of such systems, making concessions on the functional and technical requirements they impose; not asking for a Swiss army knife with a golden handle. The industry should base its design on interchangeable components where parts can be manufactured in the field with 3D printing. Political and Economic ConsiderationsPolitical 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 ammunition. For example, in Ukraine, the consumption of drones is already more than 10,000 units per month. This means developing a European industry capable of producing these systems in large quantities to avoid dependence on the US or Israel regarding production capacity. Only by being self-sufficient in the production of drones and other unmanned systems can the defence industry achieve the necessary scale and speed.Additionally, a strong focus on the development of autonomy for these systems is essential. The role of the pawn will be in the First line of Robotic systems (FLOR), far ahead of one's troops to absorb the initial impacts. Due to the distance and the risk of electronic countermeasures, permanent direct control is both undesirable and impossible. A high degree of autonomy is essential to deploy them on a large scale. Investing in advanced AI and autonomous technologies must also be done at the European level to promote strategic independence.Finally, we must stop the moralistic ban on investments in the defence industry. Morally responsible investment in the development of defence technologies is necessary to ensure the security and independence of Europe. By lifting these investment restrictions, the defence sector can access the much-needed financial resources to stimulate innovation and increase production capacity. ConclusionThe deployment of unmanned systems in defence offers unprecedented possibilities for military operations, but to fully exploit this potential, more than just technical progress is required. Strategic concepts must be adapted to the unique capabilities of unmanned systems, and political and economic choices are essential. Europe must build its industry for the mass production of these systems, strongly focus on the development of autonomous technologies, and lift restrictions on investments in the defence industry. Only through this holistic approach can defence organizations maximize the returns from unmanned systems and ensure that these technologies effectively contribute to national and international security. Sjoerd Mevissen
< Page 8 | Page 10 >