Doctrinal Approaches of Unmanned Aircraft Systems of the NATO

Abstract

The military use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) has some decade-long history. The importance of their use in the Alliance in the 1990s has increased. This study summarizes the doctrinal background and strategic concept of the employment of unmanned aerial vehicles. Unmanned Aircraft Systems can be considered the almost same platform as pilotdriven weapon systems for operational applications. UAS’s can effectively integrate as a constituent element of Composite Air Operations created for a given role with a task appropriate to their abilities. Unmanned Aircraft Systems can be widely used as Defensive and Offensive Counter Air, as well as in Reconnaissance and Surveillance missions.