Application of unmanned combat aerial vehicles in future battles of the subcontinent

Abstract

The experiences of the Gulf and Kosovo Wars brought several strategies to the forefront, and the supremacy of air power was clearly established. While strategic air power cannot win the battle all by itself, as was also clearly established in the Gulf War, air power made it easy for the ground forces to complete the annihilation of the Iraqi Army. That is why the war strategists do not have any doubt that some form of air power will decide the course of future battles. Such deliberations naturally bring the factor of the unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) to the forefront. The UCAV has not only the attraction of keeping combat casualties low but overcomes many human limitations. The unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) will be smaller, faster and more agile than manned fighters. Such unmanned vehicles could be used in preference to manned flights in a dense air defence battle space optimised by low looking radars and QRMs (quick reaction missiles). They will be very useful in keeping long vigil on enemy activities and passing on information to the command posts. The UCAV concept is technically feasible. UCAVs can meet the operational needs and fit into a sound plan of operations. Historical biases for manned aircraft should not be a stumbling block for embracing this technology in the futuristic technology driven wars. These forces need to be understood and their application made accordingly. No doubt, the Indian Air Force has taken a step in the right direction by inducting them in its force structure.