An observed effect of the increased use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) is an improvement in top-line fuel efficiency across the Air Force. To capitalize on these efficiencies, how can Remotely Piloted Aircraft be effectively integrated to support the operational requirements of Joint All-Domain Operations (JADO) in future conflicts?
Specifically, a comprehensive mission substitution analysis is requested to better understand the effects, namely on fuel consumption, of substituting manned aircraft with RPAs. This research should evaluate which specific JADO-related missions—including ISR, strike, Electronic Warfare (EW), and counter-UAS—in permissive or semi-contested environments can be successfully accomplished with more fuel-efficient unmanned platforms. Furthermore, what are the additional strategic and logistical benefits of these various aircraft substitutions, particularly regarding increased fuel savings, enhanced mission capabilities, and improved aircraft sustainment?
-
Bauman, Maj. Nicholas J., "Reaper Retirement: Why the Air Force Should Reconsider Plans to Cut the MQ-9," AFGC thesis, 2023.
-
Answered by Bauman's comparison of the MQ-9 Reaper against manned fighter and bomber platforms to highlight its extreme cost-efficiency and high mission-capable rates (over 90%). He explains that while the MQ-9 possesses a per-unit procurement cost of $27 million, its hourly operating cost is significantly lower than manned alternatives like the A−10(8,130) or the F-35A ($13,185). To integrate this remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) into JADO and enhance its survivability in contested environments, Bauman details the Multi-Domain Operations (M2DO) upgrade package, which adds anti-jam GPS, increased power generation to support high-computing onboard processors (such as the "Stellar Relay" data-correlation system), and a Link-16 terminal to seamlessly pass data to joint assets. Additionally, transitioning the MQ-9's command and control to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network ensures link resiliency, near-instantaneous data transmission, and protection against enemy jammers. This networked integration, combined with the MQ-9's long loiter times, enables it to serve as a vital force multiplier across a wide range of JADO missions, including ISR, close air support (CAS), air operations in maritime surface warfare (AOMSW), combat search and rescue (CSAR), electronic attack, and air-to-air defense.
-
Bellavia, CDR Andrea R., "Extending the Reach: How the Carrier Can Integrate the MQ-25A to Complement Distributed Maritime Operations," AFGC thesis, 2026.
-
Addressed in Bellavia’s research through her analysis of integrating the carrier-based MQ-25 Stingray refueling drone to replace manned F/A-18 Super Hornets. By substituting these manned tankers, the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) immediately increases strike fighter availability, reduces pilot fatigue on long missions, and dramatically extends the combat strike radius of F-35C and F/A-18 aircraft to in excess of 1500 nm. Furthermore, Bellavia argues that rather than restricting the MQ-25 to a narrow refueling mission, the Navy must rapidly adapt it to support broader operational requirements by integrating sensor, electronic warfare, and communications relay payloads to provide a constantly updating common operating picture without landing.
-
Cañete, Maj. Guillermo Zumaquero, "LSS (Low, Slow and Small) Drones in Military Operations: Logistical Advantages," ACSC Elective Paper, 2022, 19 pgs.
- Claypool, Capt. Andrew H., "Chinese UAV Integration: A New Era of Maritime Deterrence in the South China Sea," AFGC thesis, 2025.
- Claypool addresses the question of substituting manned aircraft with remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) by extensively evaluating the cost-effectiveness, mission capabilities, and operational performance of UAVs. He provides a direct comparison of operations and maintenance (O&M) costs, demonstrating that UAVs like the MQ-9A operate at a fraction of the cost per flying hour compared to equivalent manned aircraft such as the RC-26B or A-10C. Furthermore, he highlights that UAVs mitigate human limitations like fatigue, allowing operators to hand off controls mid-mission to maintain continuous 24-hour surveillance. He concludes that substituting manned aircraft with UAVs yields immense benefits for prolonged intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike missions, delivering high-endurance, scalable force projection at significantly reduced financial and human capital costs.
- Jemmett, Maj. Dustin, "Logistics Support in the Modern Era: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Automation Supporting Air Mobility Operations," ACSC elective paper (Logistics and the Use of Military Force), 2022, 16 pgs.
- Walsh, Lt. Col. Sean, "Enhancing Fuel Support to Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations Through Autonomous Unmanned Technologies," AWC Strategic Studies Paper, 2020, 29 pgs.
-
Topic Sponsor: 319 Reconnaissance Wing
How can Remotely Piloted Aircraft be effectively integrated to support the requirements of Joint All-Domain Operations in future conflicts?
- Acosta, Capt. Alan A., "The Drone Dilemma: Leveraging Existing Technologies to Counter the Threat of Low-Cost Combat Drones," GCPME paper, 2024, 42 pgs.
- Acuna, Maj. Fernando Suito, "The Missing Link: A Path Forward for Integrating Remotely Piloted Aircraft within Joint All-Domain Operations," AFGC thesis, 2025, 43 pgs.
- Acuna argues that to remain relevant, RPAs must transition from operating as standalone Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets into becoming fully integrated "C5ISRT nodes". He recommends a doctrinal shift away from platform-centric constructs to "mission-thread-centric approaches". This involves dynamically integrating RPAs into broader force packages alongside 5th-generation fighters, Electronic Warfare (EW) platforms, and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) to expand their contributions beyond simple observation and into joint kill-chain execution.
- Anderson, Maj. Richard, "Exploiting Offensive Use of Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS): Learning from Our Adversaries," AF Fellows paper (Department of Homeland Security), 2024, 2 pgs.
- Arnold, Maj. James, "The Aging Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft Fleet in United States Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM): The Challenges and How to Face Them," Air Force Global College thesis, 2025, 30 pgs.
- Beebe,Capt. Nicholas et al. "Defense of Taiwan--Asymmetric Defense Strategy Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie," SOS AUAR, 2025, 27 pgs.
- Brown, Donald, "Bolts from Orion: Destroying Mobile Surface-to-Air Missile Systems with Lethal Autonomous Aircraft," ACSC paper, 2016, 83. pgs.
- Depreitere, Lt. Col. Mike (Belgian AF), "Belgium's First Steps in the Unmanned Military: Providing and Ethical Perspective on the Future Use of Armed Drones," AWC Strategic Studies paper, 2020, 29 pgs.
- Enloe, Capt. Thomas L., "Designing for Doctrine: Decentralized Execution in Unmanned Swarms," SOS AUAR, 2021, 9 pgs.
- Fillman, Maj. Evan G., "Redefining Aircrew to Win the Multi-Domain Fight," ACSC thesis, 2020, 48 pgs.
- Forrest, Lt. Col. Chad, "Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Intelligence Collection by the Air National Guard," AWC Strategic Studies Paper, 2020, 24 pgs. Prize Winner: Military History Award
- Griffin, Col. Ethan C., "Turbulent Skies: Regional Stability Implications of Unmanned Aerial Systems," AF Fellows paper, 2015, 33 pgs.
- Gunnell, SMSgt Thomas J., "The Future of Drone Warfare and Congressional Oversight," Air Force Fellows paper, 2021, 25 pgs.
- Hammerstrom, Todd, "Mitchell's Radio-Controlled Wingmen: Science Fiction or the Key to Securing Our Future?" AFGC thesis, 2024, 57 pgs.
- Hickey, Col. Mark, "Inflection Point: A Study of Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems Usage in the Russia-Ukraine War," AWC Strategic Studies Paper (Kenney Airpower Seminar), 2024, 23 pgs. Winner of the AWC Joint Air Power Award
- Jiminez, Maj. Francisco G., "Drone Warfare: Evolving Tech Changing How the US Air Force Engages Great Power Competition," AFGC thesis, 2024, 34 pgs.
- Kelley, Lt. Commander Jesse J., "Enabling the MQ-25A Stingray: Assisting in Keeping Carrier Air Wings Relevant," eSchool thesis, 2020, 42 pgs.
- Kirk, Lt. Col. Troy, "Review of Operation Inherent Resolve: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems and the Pursuit to Develop a Counter System," AWC PSP, 2020, 34 pgs.
- Klawuhn, Capt. Dylan, "UAS Swarms for Base Defense," SOS AUAR paper, 2020, 6 pgs.
- Klokun, Anton, "Bullet Background Paper on Mobile Counter-UAV Weapon Technology," SOS AUAR, 2023, 3 pgs.
- Krogh, Major Kyle J., "Conflict Escalation Via Unmanned Aerial Systems in a Hybrid Warfare Context," AF Fellows Paper, 2020, 46 pgs.
- LeVoy, Commander John D., "A Worthwhile Pursuit: Improving Joint Integration between RQ-4 and MQ-4 Unmanned Aircraft," AWC PSP, 2020, 30 pgs.
- McKenna, Capt. Terrence, Capt. Pat Snyder and Capt. Chancellor Johnstone, "Operational Lessons in Trust to Inform Semi-Autonomous Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Vehicles," SOS AUAR, 2021, 11 pgs.
- McNeese, Blair, "All-Weather Hellfire," SOS AUAR paper, 2021, 4 pgs.
- Moore, Capt. Jacob, "Survivable and Adaptable Aerial Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance in Peer Conflict," SOS AUAR 2021, 12 pgs.
- O'Connor, Maj. Michael, "Replicator: A Bold New Path for DoD," AF Fellows research, published by Center for Security and Emerging Technology, September 18, 2023.
- Pothula, Capt. Jay R., "Integration of Semi-Autonomous Drones into the USAF," SOS AUAR paper, 9 pgs.
- Rynders, Michael, "Bullet Background Paper on Automated Drone Survey of CBRN Threats," SOS AUAR, 2023, 2 pgs.
- Sawyer, Daniel, "The Future of the MQ-9," SOS AUAR paper, 2020, 4 pgs.
- Schumacher, Maj. Benjamin, "Alternative Airpower for Afghanistan: Unmanned Aircraft Systems," ACSC elective paper, 62 pgs. Prize Winner: Joint Warfighting Award
- Smith, Maj. Chance, "The 'Replicator Dilemma: When Mass Isn't Enough," originally work for Air Force Fellows (CSIAC, Stanford University), published on C4ISRNet, November 20, 2023.
- Steele, Lt. Col. Eric D., "Aerial Robotic Swarms and Joint All-Domain Command and Control," AWC PSP, 2020, 32 pgs.
- Stevens, Major Brent, "The Rise of Commercial Drones: Investigating Tomorrow's Asymmetric and Hybrid Threats," eSchool thesis, 2021, 57 pgs.
- Syphrit, Lt. Col. John, "Anwar al-Awlaki and the Legality of His 'Assassination'," AWC elective paper (Topics in National Security Law), 2021, 9 pgs.
- Taylor, Lt. Col. Stephanie, "The Moral Hazard and Coercive Capabilities of Drones in Insurgent Warfare," SAASS thesis, 2024, 99 pgs.
- Thompson, Col. Kristen D., "How the Drone War in Ukraine is Transforming Conflict," AF Fellows research, published by the Council on Foreign Relations, January 16, 2024.
- Walsh, Lt. Col. Sean, "Enhancing Fuel Support to Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations through Autonomous Unmanned Technologies," AWC PSP, 2020, 32 pgs. Award Winner: General P.X. Kelly USMC Writing Award
- Weisiger, Lt. Col. Ryan, "Building Developing Air Forces around Remotely Piloted Aircraft," AWC PSP, 2019, 30 pgs.
- Wellsandt, Maj. Brad, "Survivable Tactical UAS Platforms for Large-Scale Combat Operations," ACSC ISR RTF paper, 2020, 20 pgs.
- Yount, Capt. Dick D., "SOF Swarm: Special Operations Air Assets and Autonomous Swarms," SOS AUAR (Ideas and Weapons), 2021, 12 pgs.