Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles | RAND The People's Liberation Army's Approach to Manned-Unmanned Teaming: Theory and Practice This analysis of publicly available information on Chinese perspectives of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) in air combat can inform U S Department of the Air Force leaders and strategists as they develop advanced U S MUM-T warfighting concepts
Emerging Technology and Risk Analysis: Unmanned Aerial Systems . . . Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) or drone technologies, both individual systems and swarms of UASs, have proliferated over the past 25 years for a wide variety of applications As a result, this technology and the ability to employ these UAS capabilities represent both a current and a growing threat as the technology continues to mature In this report, researchers assess intelligent swarm
Emerging Trends in Chinas Development of Unmanned Systems SUMMARY To better understand trends in Chi-nese unmanned systems research, development, acquisi-tion, and employment, and their potential implications, RAND undertook exploratory analysis to lay an initial foundation for future research on China’s development and use of unmanned systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned undersea vehicles (UUVs), and unmanned surface
Defending U. S. Military Bases Against Drones? A Recent Tabletop . . . In 2016, during coalition operations against the Islamic State, defense leaders started characterizing drones, especially small-unmanned aircraft systems, as a threat to U S military personnel and installations Since then, drones have proliferated and increasingly threaten military personnel and bases, both at home and abroad In March 2025, more than 100 participants from more than two
The Age of Uncrewed Surface Vessels | RAND A new age of naval warfare has been inaugurated in the Black Sea, defined by an emerging weapon Uncrewed surface vessels could become a centerpiece of naval warfare in the coming decades, one that navies may ignore at their peril
Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS) in Divisional Brigades About This Report This report documents research and analysis conducted as part of a project entitled Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to Support Fires at Division, Brigade Combat Team (BCT), and Battalion, sponsored by the XVIII Airborne Corps The purpose of the project was to assess the implications of integrating additional Group 1 and 2 UAS for reconnaissance, fires, and other purposes
Emerging Trends in Chinas Development of Unmanned Systems An exploratory analysis of China's development and use of unmanned systems focuses on maritime unmanned systems, the roles China sees for them, Chinese development of unmanned vehicles, and uses for such systems in the East and South China Seas
Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS) in Divisional Brigades About This Report This report documents research and analysis conducted as part of a project entitled Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to Support Fires at Division, Brigade Combat Team (BCT), and Battalion, sponsored by XVIII Airborne Corps The purpose of the project was to identify options for the Army to identify, ield and employ uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS)—including commercial off-the
The Peoples Liberation Armys Approach to Manned-Unmanned Teaming . . . This analysis is intended to improve understanding of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA's) perceptions regarding manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) and the PLA's efforts to integrate autonomous systems into air operations These insights into China's MUM-T capabilities can inform the Department of the Air Force's operational planning, enhance interoperability with allied forces, and guide
Emerging Technology and Risk Analysis: Unmanned Aerial Systems . . . KEY FINDINGS Unmanned aerial systems (UASs), or drone technologies, for both individual systems and for surrogate swarms represent a current threat and, in the case of intelligent swarms, a growing threat given continued advances in range, payload, and power as UAS technology continues to mature