The US Air Force is confronting a new aerial threat that challenges traditional notions of air superiority: small, inexpensive drones.
At a Glance
- Small, low-cost drones are reshaping the concept of air superiority
- US Air Force is adapting tactics to counter this evolving threat
- AI and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are key to the new defense strategy
- Lessons from recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East inform new approaches
The Changing Face of Air Superiority
The US Air Force is grappling with a paradigm shift in air warfare as small, inexpensive drones emerge as a formidable threat. General James C. Slife, the Vice Chief of Staff, recently addressed this issue at the Brookings Institution, highlighting the need for a redefinition of air superiority in light of recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
These small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) present a unique challenge due to their ability to operate in swarms, fly at low altitudes, and maintain a reduced radar signature. This combination of factors renders traditional air defense systems less effective and calls for innovative countermeasures.
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Lessons from Recent Conflicts
Recent conflicts have provided stark examples of the impact of small drones on modern warfare. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war have demonstrated the effectiveness of these systems in combat scenarios. Non-state actors, including terrorist groups, have been utilizing small drones for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and kinetic strikes since the mid-2010s.
A particularly alarming instance occurred during Hamas’s offensive against Israel, where drones were effectively used to target key command and control towers and Iron Dome platforms. This incident underscores the potential of these small UAVs to significantly impact even sophisticated defense systems.
Adapting to the New Threat Landscape
In response to these emerging threats, the US Air Force is revising its approach to air superiority. General Slife emphasized the need to shift from the Cold War-era focus on high-altitude dominance to a more complex, multi-domain battlespace strategy. This includes the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), which aims to integrate autonomous drones with manned fighters to enhance combat capabilities while reducing costs.
“We used to make the claim that since 1953, no American has been killed by air attack,” Slife said at the Brookings Institution’s event last July 29. “We can’t make that claim anymore.”
The Air Force has also established Task Force 99 to innovate and counter emerging drone threats. However, these skills are not yet widespread within the force, indicating a need for broader training and adaptation.
Future Directions and Challenges
As the Air Force adapts to this new reality, several key areas of focus have emerged. There is a growing emphasis on developing an offensive small UAS force and creating a dedicated Air Force Specialty Code (AFSC) for small UAS operations. Additionally, the concept of “cost-effective mass” is gaining traction within the Department of Defense, recognizing the need for more economical solutions to counter the drone threat.
“Now, clearly, you’re not going to be sending F-22s out to find a DJI quadcopter with hand grenades underneath them,” Slife said. “And so we have to think about a broader definition of what air superiority actually looks like and how we achieve it.”
Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning are opening new possibilities for drone operations, both offensive and defensive. These technologies could play a crucial role in developing more effective countermeasures against swarm tactics and improving the capabilities of friendly UAVs.
As the US Air Force continues to adapt its strategies and doctrines to address the challenges posed by small drones, it’s clear that the future of air superiority will look markedly different from its past. The integration of AI, unmanned systems, and innovative tactics will be crucial in maintaining America’s edge in the evolving landscape of aerial warfare.
