US Navy Innovates Tactics for Next-Gen Combat Drone Warfare

The US Navy is actively developing new tactics to leverage the capabilities of combat drones as they transition from theoretical concepts to operational tools on the battlefield. At the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division’s (NAWCAD) Joint Simulation Environment located at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland, test pilots are utilizing a digitally simulated F-35 Lightning II to explore innovative strategies for integrating this technology into modern warfare.

Drones are rapidly changing the landscape of military operations, moving beyond initial expectations. The Navy aims to ensure it is not caught unprepared, as was the case during early aerial combat in World War I, when pilots struggled to utilize aircraft effectively. The lessons learned then underscore the importance of developing comprehensive tactics alongside new technologies, a challenge the Navy is tackling with urgency.

The current focus is on the development of Loyal Wingman drones, which are designed to perform alongside piloted fighter jets, enhancing the capabilities of military air wings. Unlike conventional aircraft, these drones possess unique attributes that necessitate a shift in military operations and tactics. The Navy recognizes that effective integration of these unmanned systems will require a strategic approach that encompasses various roles, including surface attack and intelligence gathering.

Strategic Innovation through Simulation

To facilitate this transition, the Navy is using the Joint Simulation Environment (JSE) as a testing platform. This state-of-the-art simulation allows pilots to engage in numerous virtual sorties in a single week, providing a level of realism that surpasses traditional live training ranges. The JSE incorporates the complexities of modern electronic warfare and surface-to-air missile threats, enabling pilots to hone their skills in realistic scenarios.

Moreover, the JSE can integrate with advanced aircraft such as the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and EA-18G Command and Control aircraft, enhancing the ability to manage drone swarms as part of a coordinated offensive strategy. This integration is vital, as the operational cost of an F-35 can reach up to $120 million, with pilot training alone costing approximately $13.5 million. Consequently, the loss of even a single aircraft or pilot represents a significant tactical drawback.

As the Navy envisions the future of air combat, it anticipates that fighter pilots will transition from traditional dogfighting roles to mission commanders overseeing autonomous drones. Instead of remotely controlling these unmanned systems, pilots will assign tasks such as reconnaissance or air defense suppression, allowing drones to execute missions independently. This operational shift not only enhances efficiency but also reduces the risks associated with piloted aircraft.

Future Tactical Frameworks

The potential for increased operational capacity is substantial. Drones, costing around $10 million each, may allow aircraft carriers to deploy up to 40% more warplanes than current configurations permit. This change will require a redesign of carrier flight decks to accommodate a higher volume of traffic while ensuring the separation of piloted and unmanned aircraft during takeoff and landing.

In terms of tactical application, the Navy is likely to position carriers farther from direct conflict, deploying drones to lead engagements while piloted fighters remain in reserve. Drones will gather sensor data and carry the majority of armaments, allowing the F-35 to maintain stealth and minimal engagement.

The rationale behind retaining the F-35 in combat scenarios lies in its advanced command and control capabilities. It is the only aircraft equipped to process and relay vast amounts of real-time data efficiently, eliminating communication delays that could hinder operational effectiveness. Notably, current rules of engagement for drones require human oversight for lethal decisions, necessitating the presence of a skilled pilot to make split-second judgments in dynamic environments.

Rear Admiral Todd Evans, Commander of NAWCAD, encapsulated the urgency of these developments: “Modern warfare is demanding more from our aviators. This milestone shows the Joint Simulation Environment’s impact on equipping them with the advanced tactics they need to win future battles.”

As the Navy continues to refine its strategies and integrate new technologies, the evolution of combat tactics promises to reshape the future of aerial warfare significantly. With the arrival of combat drones on the horizon, the importance of preparation and tactical innovation has never been more critical.