Drone Wars Escalate: U.S. Aims to Surpass Chinese and Iranian Rivals

U.S. Military Begins Drone Development Project
Massive Commercialization if Adopted
Expected to Surpass Chinese and Iranian Drones

One of the most significant developments in the trends of global warfare during the 2010s was the discovery of the military potential of drones. The focus shifted from large drones like the Predator to smaller drones, sparking new attempts to understand the potential contributions of these smaller drones on the battlefield. This shift paved the way for the emergence of various drone variants, from reconnaissance drones to attack drones and even suicide drones. This development also signaled the rise of new threats and, for countries like China, new opportunities. The U.S., often criticized for lagging behind China in drone power, has recently begun preparations for a massive drone development project, causing ripples in the global drone market. First, look at the U.S. military’s drone adoption project and consider what might be driving this significant undertaking.

Vertical Takeoff and Landing Drone Development
Griffin, Northrop also Participate

The U.S. Army recently conducted the Future Tactical Unmanned Aerial System (FTUAS) project aimed at developing vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aircraft. Vertical takeoff and landing drones can take off without a runway and quickly be deployed through fast takeoffs and landings, making them in high demand in the Army and the Navy. The South Korean Navy is already operating a vertical takeoff and landing drone called Camcopter S-100. However, the project proposed by the U.S. Army is expected to become astronomically large if adopted, attracting competition from several companies. Five companies, including Griffin Aerospace and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, have participated, indicating the fierce competition.

U.S. Military’s Active Will
Selection Process Expected to be Complex

The U.S. military is known for valuing reconnaissance in combat, emphasizing information collection through reconnaissance. Therefore, there’s no doubt that the will is powerful for this next-generation vertical takeoff and landing drone introduction project, and considering the scale of the U.S. Army, the project itself is likely to develop into a mega project. Therefore, the selection process is expected to be as complex as the cost, requiring a modular open system that allows for various applications and the ability to use a remote control on the ground in various environments. In addition, only companies that have passed the strict standards set by the Army through actual operations can complete a project with the U.S. Army.

Catching up with Chinese and Iranian Drones

The hostile nations have been very active in using drones for military purposes. In the Ukraine war, Russia has already used a significant number of its own attack drones and Iranian suicide drones to inflict damage on Ukraine. China is also considering a large-scale drone attack against the U.S.