Regional military forces continue to develop and field unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of ongoing modernization efforts, with an eye on applications – such as border/maritime patrol and surveillance – where extended range and loiter performance is desired.
While contemporary tactical and medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE)-class UAVs have traditionally served in the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles, there is an emerging interest in developing more capable systems that can undertake higher-end missions such as air-to-air combat, electronic warfare, and long-range strike.
Indeed, market forecaster Teal Group estimates in its 2020/2021 study that global military UAV research spending could be worth up to $64.5 billion over the decade on the back of new technologies. In addition, the company noted that the next generation of systems is being developed at a time when the UAV market is expanding rapidly due to liberalised US export regulations, affordable and accessible Chinese exports and a growing demand for armed UAVs.
AUSTRALIA
This story is from the June/July 2021 edition of Asian Military Review.
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This story is from the June/July 2021 edition of Asian Military Review.
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