This paper addresses the additional Options available to the operational commander in charge of conducting 'presence and monitoring' missions with the introduction of an armed capability on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Specifically, the writer argues that the intelligent use and support of armed UAVs can replace selected missions currently being conducted in Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch, reducing the threat to manned aircraft and aircrew. It is further argued that many current missions can not be adequately replaced by the armed UAV. The paper presents a brief history of UAV operations, a brief summary of future UAV programs an the current limitations to this family of weapon systems. After a chronology of significant events concerning post- Desert Storm Iraq operations, the writer looks at capabilities the armed UAV could offer the operational commander in executing his assigned mission.
Standing 'the Watches' with Armed UAVs
2002
25 pages
Report
No indication
English
TV watches switching operations
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