Unmanned Aerial Vehicles on the Battlefield: Advantages, and Limitations

Abstract

With the rapid evolution of technology, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have transitioned from an auxiliary capacity to a critical combat force on the modern battlefield, fundamentally changing the landscape of traditional warfare. This paper aims to explore the diverse applications of UAVs in combat, analyze their tactical advantages and limitations, and thereby suggest new directions for military thought.

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I. Introduction

The application of unmanned vehicles in the military domain is not a new concept. As early as the Vietnam War, the U.S. extensively used UAVs for aerial photo reconnaissance and electronic intelligence gathering missions to reduce pilot casualties. However, during the First Gulf War in 1991 and the subsequent War on Terror against the regimes in Iraq and Taliban-controlled Afghanistan beginning in 2001, the U.S. military further equipped UAVs with offensive weapons, such as electronic warfare systems and air-to-ground missiles, in addition to their military reconnaissance roles. This allowed UAVs to move beyond merely reconnaissance and intelligence gathering to directly integrating intelligence with fire support, thereby possessing a much wider range of combat capabilities. [1] Since then, the use of UAVs has become an extremely important component of military operations in global conflict arenas.

Today, with the increasing maturity of Artificial Intelligence (AI), sensor, and communication technologies, the capacity of UAVs for military missions has also increased. Particularly in the Russia-Ukraine War, which began in 2014, UAVs have demonstrated immense potential in asymmetric warfare tactics, where even small, non-military commercial drones can achieve the effect of surprise. This has prompted major military powers, including the United States, to actively pursue the development and integration of drone capabilities into their forces. [2]

II. The Role of UAVs in the Tactical Thinking of Asymmetric Warfare

The concept of asymmetric warfare originated from the tactics adopted by smaller nations or weaker forces when facing powerful adversaries. This mode of combat typically relies on flexibility, creativity, and an understanding of the enemy's weaknesses, using non-traditional means to allow small-scale armed forces to contend with enemies possessing vast military power, despite limited resources.

Therefore, under the philosophy of asymmetric warfare, the use of UAVs quickly became an important tool for modern military operations. Drones not only provide real-time monitoring and reconnaissance but can also execute precision strikes, which significantly enhances the striking capability of smaller units.

Compared to traditional military equipment, UAVs are low-cost, simple to operate, and can replace combat personnel in carrying out missions such as reconnaissance in dangerous areas. This makes them an ideal tactical choice for the militarily and materially weaker party. Furthermore, UAVs can flexibly adapt to different battlefield environments—whether urban areas or the wilderness—effectively compensating for the shortcomings of traditional military hardware.

III. Functions of UAVs in Conflict Arenas

(I) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)

This is the most traditional and foundational mission for UAVs. Drones can loiter over target areas for extended periods, providing real-time, reliable field intelligence. This gives commanders a clearer grasp of the battlefield situation, offering crucial data for decision-making. [3]

(II) Executing Precision Strikes and Fire Support

Modern UAVs (such as loitering munitions or MALE-type drones equipped with weapons) can perform precision strikes on targets, reducing the risk of human casualties. Remote operators can execute attack missions, fundamentally altering traditional engagement models.

(III) Logistical and Medical Support

UAVs possess cargo capacity and can be applied in the logistics field to support the transport of ammunition, fuel, and supplies, especially when transport routes are interdicted, effectively solving the issue of logistical replenishment for combat personnel. In terms of medical support, UAVs can also be used for casualty search and location, aiming to minimize personnel losses.

(IV) Electronic Jamming and Decoys

UAVs can execute electronic warfare missions, interfering with enemy communications or GPS signals. Furthermore, recent examples from conflict zones show that because of their small size and maneuverability, UAVs are difficult for anti-air defenses to lock onto and destroy, while also placing pressure on the adversary. Thus, UAVs are frequently used to attract enemy fire or the attention of air defense systems, providing cover for other air assets to execute their missions.

IV. Advantages and Challenges of UAVs in Military Conflict Arenas

(I) Advantages:

1. Reduced Personnel Casualties: Due to the long-range operational characteristic of UAVs, their use in military and dangerous missions avoids personnel being directly exposed to enemy fire and buys time for rearward forces to advance or retreat.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to traditional weapon systems, small UAVs are lower in cost and easy to deploy in large numbers.

3. Operational Flexibility: UAVs are small, highly concealable, simple to operate, and can react quickly to changes on the battlefield.

(II) Challenges and Limitations:

1. Wireless Susceptibility to Interference; Wired Limits Maneuverability: UAVs are controlled primarily through wireless or wired methods. Taking the Russia-Ukraine War as an example, wireless-operated drones are prone to electronic shielding or jamming, affecting mission effectiveness. This has led to the emergence of wired models that use fiber optic cables to transmit control signals and video data. [4] While wired models effectively counter jamming, carrying a fiber optic cable means sacrificing the drone's payload and cargo space, and restricting flight maneuverability and speed. Moreover, the non-recoverable nature of the fiber optic cable also increases the drone's cost.

2. Operational Limitations: Due to their small size, UAVs have limited resistance to weather. Strong winds, dense fog, and other extreme conditions can reduce the drone's reconnaissance or flight capability.

   
   

V. Conclusion and Future Outlook

The widespread use of UAVs marks a significant transformation in the form of warfare. With the deep integration of AI technology, future UAVs will evolve towards being more intelligent, autonomous, and multi-mission capable. Nations worldwide are actively developing counter-UAV technologies and integrating them into their national defense strategic planning. The future battlefield will be a complex environment featuring the coordinated operation of manned and unmanned systems, and related research and technological development will continue to be a hot topic in the military domain.

[1] 蔡淩漢，〈無人飛行載具對艦艇戰術之運用〉，《海軍學術雙月刊》，第50卷第2期，民國105年4月，p.59。

[2] 〈美軍成立首個境外無人機打擊中隊〉，大紀元，https://www.epochtimes.com/b5/25/12/3/n14648249.htm，瀏覽日期：2015/12/4。

[3]  黃光彩，〈AI無人機技術徹底改變現代戰爭格局〉，DIGITIMES，https://www.digitimes.com.tw/tech/dt/n/shwnws.asp?id=0000723844_3EZ76F4U5OUB8S3RXDR2S#:~:text=*%20%E8%AD%B0%E9%A1%8C%20*%20%E8%A7%80%E9%BB%9E%20*%20%E5%BD%B1%E9%9F%B3%20*%20%E5%95%86%E6%83%85%20*%20%E5%B1%95%E6%9C%83%E5%B0%88%E5%8D%80，瀏覽日期：2015/12/1。

[4] 〈俄烏戰爭：可怕的新武器——從無人機到光纖無人機，他們在頭頂盤旋〉，BBC NEWS，https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/articles/c780v7mgpryo/trad，瀏覽日期：2015/12/1。