The Future of Defense and Commercial Unmanned Sectors: AI and Automation

By Mickey Miller, CEO, Vislink

In today's defense and commercial sectors, AI and automation are reshaping the role of unmanned systems, driving capabilities that were once thought unattainable. These advancements are essential for the growth of "attritable systems" - relatively low-cost, expendable military assets that can be deployed in high-risk situations without endangering human lives, as mentioned in the Department of Defense's Replicator Initiative. At Vislink, we're seeing AI and automation emerge as game-changers in the drone industry, transforming how both the defense and commercial sectors think about uncrewed systems. These technologies are opening up incredible possibilities, allowing for more precise, responsive, and resilient operations than ever before.

AI-Powered Autonomy: Making Complex Missions Possible

For unmanned systems to operate independently in contested or remote environments, they require sophisticated AI and automation. Modern Category 2 and 3 drones, for example, can launch, land, and navigate independently, covering extensive distances and durations. This capability -enhanced by advanced AI algorithms - enables drones to perform complex tasks such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and even resupply missions, often in environments too hostile for crewed systems. This is a specific focus of the 2022 National Defense Strategy.

One notable application is the concept of drone "wingmen" - autonomous drones designed to support and protect manned aircraft, outlined in the US Air Force Skyborg Program. Aircraft like the Kratos XQ-58A Valkyrie can fly alongside crewed fighter jets or transport planes, serving as an extra layer of protection in high-risk situations. With advanced autonomy, these drones can act as decoys, engage threats, or extend situational awareness, allowing human pilots to focus on primary mission objectives. By taking on some of the more hazardous roles, autonomous wingmen are helping to keep personnel out of harm's way while enhancing the effectiveness of manned missions.

Autonomous resupply is another area where AI-driven autonomy is proving invaluable. In remote or hostile environments, resupplying ground forces or delivering essential equipment is often a critical - but risky - task. Autonomous resupply drones like the Chaparral, developed by Leidos and Elroy Air can navigate complex routes, assess obstacles, and land in rugged terrain with minimal human input. This capability is not only beneficial in military operations but also holds potential for remote commercial applications, such as delivering medical supplies to inaccessible areas during natural disasters or supporting isolated communities.

Actionable Insights and Real-Time Responses

AI isn't just about autonomy; it's about providing actionable insights and ensuring real-time response. With the integration of machine learning, drones are now able to interpret data on the fly, adapting their missions and prioritizing objectives without human intervention. Imagine the value this brings to decision-makers who can act on intelligence gathered from the field within minutes rather than hours. For stakeholders, this means better data, faster response times, and more informed decision-making capabilities.

The Role of Communication: A Critical Enabler

As AI applications in unmanned systems continue to evolve, communication remains the backbone of this technological leap. Secure, resilient, high-bandwidth connections are essential. Without reliable communication channels, AI-driven systems - no matter how advanced - can't reach their full potential. This is where Vislink focuses our efforts, providing the robust communication solutions that enable real-time, data-driven operations. Our systems are designed to ensure that critical data flows smoothly and securely, allowing uncrewed systems to perform complex tasks in challenging environments.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Autonomous Operations

At Vislink, we are inspired by these advancements and the potential they hold for safer, more efficient operations in both defense and commercial sectors. As we look to the future, I'm committed to exploring what's possible in secure communications, supporting our partners as they work to push the boundaries of innovation.