Unlocking Military Potential: The Immediate Opportunities in Uncrewed Systems

The recent Williams Foundation seminar on military readiness did not really highlight or provide detailed perspectives on how uncrewed systems could empower the fight tonight force and help drive the ongoing operational re-design process which is becoming a key part of military readiness.

Australia finds itself positioned to leverage this technological moment. With sophisticated defence systems, experienced operators, and strategic partnerships that provide access to cutting-edge uncrewed platforms, the country can build immediate capability while establishing the foundation for future autonomous operations. The challenge lies not in waiting for perfect technology, but in maximizing the substantial potential that exists within current systems.

I have worked for a number of years on various autonomous and unmanned or uncrewed systems. And in so doing, I have talked for a number of years to Australian practitioners of the art in government, industry and the analytical community.

Based on those conversations let me provide a supplement to the recent Williams Foundation Seminar on the “fight tonight” force.

The Language Problem: Autonomy Versus Reality

One of the most significant barriers to effective implementation of uncrewed systems lies in the misuse of language. Defence professionals routinely describe current systems as “autonomous” when they are anything but. This linguistic imprecision creates unrealistic expectations and diverts attention from what these systems can accomplish.

True autonomy, as defined in military glossaries, refers to systems capable of sensing their environment, making independent decisions, and fulfilling commander’s intent without human intervention. On a five-level autonomy scale, where level one represents remotely piloted systems and level five represents full autonomy, current military systems operate predominantly at levels two and three.

Consider the MQ-9 Reaper, often cited as an autonomous system. In reality, it features a traditional cockpit with throttle, stick, and pedals. It is fundamentally a piloted aircraft with some automated features. Even advanced systems like the MQ-4C Triton operate as a level two automated platforms, executing pre-programmed missions without making independent decisions.

The emerging category of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), including Australia’s Ghost Bat, represents level three systems requiring external sensing and human oversight. The U.S. Air Force’s decision to call these “collaborative” rather than “autonomous” aircraft demonstrates a more honest assessment of current capabilities.

This distinction matters because when defence professionals claim current systems are autonomous, they create dangerous misunderstandings. Policymakers and the public begin to believe that full autonomy has arrived, leading to unrealistic expectations and inappropriate deployment concepts. More critically, it diverts attention from developing practical applications for the technology which we actually possess.

The China Challenge as Catalyst for Innovation

If we look at the challenge posed by China we get an insight into a key competitor who is driving a way forward with uncrewed systems. China’s approach to uncrewed systems development provides valuable insights into practical applications while demonstrating the urgency of immediate adoption. Beijing has invested heavily in diverse uncrewed platforms, from sophisticated combat air vehicles to converted legacy aircraft equipped with remote control systems. This approach demonstrates how quantity, adaptability, and rapid deployment can create strategic advantage even without perfect autonomy.

China’s strategy appears to embrace the philosophy of “good enough” technology deployed at scale rather than perfect systems deployed in small numbers. Their conversion of legacy fighters like the MiG-17 into uncrewed platforms creates substantial asymmetric capabilities using existing airframes and relatively simple automation packages. These platforms may lack sophistication but provide significant tactical options for saturating defences, conducting reconnaissance, or serving as decoys.

More concerning is China’s development of hundreds of new uncrewed combat air vehicles designed from the ground up for automated operations. These platforms, while not fully autonomous, can conduct complex missions with minimal human oversight and pose significant challenges to traditional air defence concepts that assume human decision-making timelines.

This reality presents Australia with both challenge and opportunity. While China may field large numbers of simpler uncrewed systems, Australia can leverage its technological sophistication and operator expertise to develop more effective employment concepts for advanced automated platforms. The key lies in rapid adoption and iterative improvement rather than waiting for perfect solutions.

The Chinese model also illustrates how uncrewed systems can complement rather than replace traditional platforms. Instead of viewing future conflicts through the lens of platform-versus-platform comparisons, Australia can explore how automated systems enhance the effectiveness of existing capabilities like F-35s, Wedgetails, and maritime patrol aircraft.

Australia’s advantage lies not in matching Chinese production numbers but in developing superior employment concepts that maximize the effectiveness of sophisticated automated systems. This requires getting current technology into operators’ hands quickly to build the experiential knowledge necessary for tactical innovation.

Ghost Bat: A Platform of Immediate Potential

At the seminar, the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Chappell underscored that Australia’s Ghost Bat program represents an exceptional opportunity to build practical experience with advanced uncrewed systems while contributing to current defence needs. Even in its initial ISR configuration, Ghost Bat offers multiple pathways to enhanced capability that can be exploited immediately rather than waiting for future weaponization.

But beyond any initial considerations of the long-term future of such an aircraft, it should be noted that the platform’s sophisticated sensor suite and data processing capabilities position it perfectly for immediate integration with existing ISR networks. Paired with high-altitude platforms like the Triton, Ghost Bat could provide complementary low-altitude surveillance over critical maritime chokepoints, creating layered sensor coverage that significantly enhances situational awareness in contested areas.

Integrated with Wedgetail early warning systems, Ghost Bat could extend sensor networks beyond traditional line-of-sight limitations and provide additional data correlation capabilities. This application would be particularly valuable in Australia’s maritime approaches, where the platform could investigate contacts detected by high-altitude sensors while crewed aircraft maintain safe standoff distances.

The platform’s collaborative architecture also creates opportunities for innovative tactical applications. Multiple Ghost Bat aircraft could coordinate autonomous sensor sweeps, automatically sharing data and adjusting coverage patterns based on emerging intelligence requirements. This swarming approach to ISR could overwhelm adversary counter-surveillance efforts while providing unprecedented situational awareness.

Ghost Bat’s modular design creates opportunities for adaptive employment that accelerate capability development. Rather than waiting for a single system to fulfill all requirements, Australia could explore specialized variants optimized for specific missions. Sophisticated ISR platforms could focus on complex surveillance tasks requiring advanced sensor fusion and data processing, while simpler “arsenal aircraft” could be designed specifically for missile carriage and engagement extension.

This modular approach allows parallel advancement in multiple mission areas while building the operational foundation necessary for more advanced applications as technology matures. Each variant would contribute immediately to defence capability while providing lessons that inform future development.

The weaponization timeline, rather than being viewed as a limitation, creates opportunities for innovative employment concepts. Current ISR-focused operations would build operator expertise in human-machine collaboration, develop tactics for contested environments, and identify integration opportunities with existing platforms. When weapons integration becomes available, operators would already possess the experiential foundation necessary for effective combat employment.

Perhaps most importantly, Ghost Bat’s current configuration allows for immediate experimentation with multi-domain operations. The platform could coordinate with naval systems for maritime surveillance, support land forces through tactical reconnaissance, or enhance air operations through collaborative sensing. These applications would build the joint operational concepts necessary for future autonomous operations while delivering immediate capability enhancement.

Learning from Real-World Innovation

The conflict in Ukraine demonstrates how practical adoption drives effective uncrewed system employment far more effectively than theoretical development cycles. Ukrainian forces have successfully integrated multiple types of automated systems through rapid deployment, field modification, and continuous operator feedback. This experiential approach has produced remarkably effective tactical applications in timeframes measured in weeks and months rather than years and decades.

One could argue that the Ukrainian model reveals several key insights applicable to Australian defence planning.

• First, operator experience drives innovation more effectively than engineering specification. Ukrainian forces have modified commercial drones, adapted software systems, and developed new tactical employment concepts based on immediate battlefield feedback. This rapid iteration cycle has produced solutions that no amount of peacetime analysis could have predicted.

• Second, the most effective uncrewed systems often emerge from adapting existing platforms rather than developing new ones. Ukrainian forces have successfully weaponized commercial quadcopters, modified racing drones for reconnaissance, and converted civilian aircraft for military missions. This approach leverages existing technology while focusing innovation efforts on mission-specific adaptations.

• Third, effective employment often requires combining multiple simple systems rather than developing single complex platforms. Ukrainian operations frequently employ coordinated formations of different uncrewed systems, each optimized for specific tasks but working together to accomplish complex missions. This distributed approach proves more resilient and adaptable than single-platform solutions.

The Ukrainian experience also demonstrates the importance of human-machine collaboration rather than complete automation. The most successful operations combine automated platforms with human decision-making, leveraging machine advantages in persistence and precision while retaining human advantages in creativity and adaptation.

For Australia, this suggests accelerating Ghost Bat and other uncrewed system deployment to build operator expertise and identify practical applications. Early operational experience will drive innovation more effectively than theoretical analysis, while contributing to defence readiness throughout the development process.

The Ukrainian model also suggests opportunities for rapid capability enhancement using existing platforms. Commercial systems could be adapted for military missions, existing crewed aircraft could be modified for uncrewed operations, and software systems could be rapidly modified based on operational feedback. This approach would build accelerated capability while providing the experiential foundation necessary for more advanced development.

Beyond Platform-Centric Thinking

My own work on maritime autonomous systems suggests that current uncrewed systems offer opportunities to enhance existing capabilities through mission-focused integration rather than platform replacement. This approach recognizes that the greatest immediate value lies not in developing new platforms but in amplifying the effectiveness of current systems through intelligent integration.

The F-35’s advanced mission systems exemplify this potential. Through software modifications, these aircraft can coordinate seamlessly with uncrewed systems, creating collaborative networks that multiply effectiveness without requiring entirely new platforms. F-35s could serve as battle managers for uncrewed systems, providing targeting data, coordinating sensor coverage, and enabling distributed operations that complicate adversary response.

Similarly, existing ISR platforms like Triton and Poseidon could be enhanced through integration with uncrewed systems that extend their sensor reach and provide additional data collection points. Triton aircraft could coordinate with lower-altitude uncrewed systems to create comprehensive maritime surveillance networks, while Poseidon aircraft could deploy and control specialized systems for underwater detection or electronic warfare.

The key insight is that current platforms already possess the computational power, communication systems, and operator expertise necessary for uncrewed system integration. What’s required is focused software development and operational concept refinement rather than entirely new acquisition programs.

These modifications can occur rapidly when approached as capability enhancement rather than platform replacement, delivering improved effectiveness on accelerated timelines while building toward more advanced future applications. The timeline advantages are substantial: software modifications can be implemented in months, operator training can be accomplished in weeks, and tactical concept development can occur through immediate experimentation.

The SRG Model: Mission-Focused Excellence

In my earlier discussions with RAAF officials involved with Ghost Bat, I argued that the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group exemplifies the problem-solving approach that maximizes uncrewed system potential. SRG personnel focus on mission accomplishment using available tools rather than waiting for perfect platforms. This mindset makes them ideal candidates for pioneering uncrewed system employment concepts while providing a model for broader defence innovation.

SRG’s approach centers on understanding mission requirements first and then adapting available technology to meet immediate needs. This methodology contrasts sharply with platform-centric thinking that defines ideal systems and then waits for their development. The SRG model prioritizes practical solutions that deliver capability while building experience for future advancement.

This operator-focused approach ensures that system development remains grounded in practical operational requirements rather than theoretical specifications, increasing the likelihood of effective real-world employment. SRG personnel regularly adapt systems for missions beyond their original design parameters, developing innovative employment concepts through experimentation and iteration.

The SRG experience with existing ISR platforms provides valuable insights for uncrewed system employment. Their success in coordinating multiple sensor platforms, correlating data from diverse sources, and adapting to dynamic intelligence requirements demonstrates the operational concepts necessary for effective uncrewed system integration.

Perhaps most importantly, SRG personnel think in terms of network effects rather than individual platform capabilities. They understand how different systems can complement each other, how data sharing multiplies effectiveness, and how adaptive employment can create capabilities greater than the sum of individual parts. This network-centric thinking is essential for maximizing uncrewed system potential.

The SRG model suggests how Australia can accelerate capability development across all domains. Rather than waiting for perfect systems, operators can begin experimenting with current technology to identify practical applications and develop innovative employment concepts. This experiential approach builds the institutional knowledge necessary for future advancement while delivering immediate capability enhancement.

The model also demonstrates the importance of empowering operators to drive innovation rather than restricting development to acquisition specialists. SRG success comes from giving experienced operators the authority to experiment, adapt, and innovate based on operational requirements rather than bureaucratic constraints.

An Adoption-First Strategy

The path to maximizing uncrewed system potential lies through adoption-focused rather than acquisition-focused policies. This approach recognizes that current automated systems offer significant capability that can be enhanced through practical employment and continuous improvement. The strategy emphasizes getting technology into operators’ hands quickly rather than waiting for perfect solutions.

Key principles include accepting current automation levels while developing employment concepts appropriate to existing capabilities, prioritizing rapid deployment to build operator experience, and embracing iterative improvement based on operational feedback. This approach leverages uncrewed systems’ inherent advantage: their ability to be modified rapidly through software updates and mission system changes.

The adoption-focused strategy recognizes that uncrewed systems derive their greatest value from adaptability rather than initial perfection. Unlike traditional platforms that require extensive modification for capability changes, uncrewed systems can be reprogrammed, reconfigured, and redeployed for new missions in timeframes measured in weeks rather than years.

The strategy also emphasizes parallel development streams that allow different organizations to pursue complementary approaches simultaneously. While traditional combat aviation units explore tactical employment concepts, ISR specialists can develop surveillance applications, logistics specialists can explore support missions, and joint practitioners can explore close air and tactical ISR support to the land force. This parallel approach accelerates overall progress while building expertise across multiple domains.

Implementation requires institutional changes that empower operators to drive innovation rather than waiting for centralized acquisition decisions. Operators need the authority to experiment with systems, modify employment concepts, and adapt tactics based on immediate feedback. This operational empowerment accelerates innovation while ensuring that development remains grounded in practical requirements.

The adoption-first strategy also recognizes the importance of accepting incremental progress rather than pursuing revolutionary breakthroughs. Each improvement in automation, each enhancement in human-machine collaboration, and each advancement in tactical employment contributes to overall capability development while building toward future autonomous potential.

Building Toward 2040: The Journey Advantage

Viewing full autonomy as a 2040 destination rather than a current requirement creates space for systematic capability building that delivers value throughout the development process. This journey perspective enables honest capability discussions that acknowledge current limitations while working systematically toward greater independence. It allows for realistic operational planning that leverages current strengths while building toward future potential.

Each generation of systems can incorporate greater automated decision-making while maintaining appropriate human oversight, building operator expertise and institutional knowledge essential for eventual autonomous operations. The progression from level two to level three to level four automation provides natural development milestones that allow for systematic capability advancement.

The journey approach also recognizes that autonomous systems will require different operational concepts, training programs, and institutional structures than current platforms. Building these foundations takes time, but the process can begin immediately using current technology. Operators can develop human-machine collaboration techniques, organizations can adapt command structures, and institutions can build the cultural familiarity necessary for autonomous operations.

This progressive development approach offers several advantages over revolutionary transformation attempts. It allows for continuous learning and adaptation, reduces risk by enabling incremental testing and refinement, and maintains operational capability throughout the development process. Rather than waiting for autonomous breakthroughs, defence organizations can build systematically toward autonomous potential while leveraging current capabilities.

The timeline also aligns with strategic planning horizons that account for evolving threats and technological development. Rather than rushing toward capabilities that may not be ready, Australia can build steadily toward autonomous potential while maximizing current opportunities. This approach ensures that investment in uncrewed systems delivers immediate returns while building toward future strategic advantage.

The journey metaphor also enables more realistic resource allocation and capability planning. Rather than betting everything on autonomous breakthroughs, defence planners can invest systematically in automation advancement while maintaining current operational effectiveness. This balanced approach reduces risk while ensuring continuous capability improvement.

Perhaps most importantly, the journey approach recognizes that autonomous operations will emerge from enhanced human-machine collaboration rather than human replacement. The most effective autonomous systems will leverage human creativity, adaptability, and judgment while automating routine tasks and providing superhuman persistence and precision. Building this collaborative foundation requires practical experience that can begin immediately with current technology.

Conclusion: Seizing the Moment

Australia stands at a unique moment in military technology development. Current uncrewed systems offer substantial capability that can enhance defence readiness immediately, while providing the foundation for more advanced autonomous operations in the future. The convergence of sophisticated platforms like Ghost Bat, proven automated systems like Triton and Reaper, and advanced integration capabilities in existing platforms creates unprecedented opportunities for capability multiplication.

The key to success lies in practical adoption that gets systems into operators’ hands quickly and builds capability through experiential learning. This approach recognizes that the greatest advances in uncrewed system employment will come from operators who understand both the potential and limitations of current technology, rather than from theoretical analysis by acquisition specialists.

The technology exists today to multiply Australia’s defence effectiveness through uncrewed system integration. Ghost Bat can begin contributing to ISR missions while building toward more advanced applications. Existing platforms can be enhanced through uncrewed system integration that leverages current computational power and communication systems. Operators can begin developing the expertise necessary for future autonomous operations while contributing to current defence needs.

The opportunities extend across all domains of military operations. Maritime surveillance can be enhanced through coordinated networks of crewed and uncrewed platforms. Air operations can be multiplied through collaborative combat concepts that leverage both human creativity and machine persistence. Land operations can be supported through tactical reconnaissance and logistics applications that reduce risk to human personnel.

Most importantly, Australia can leverage its technological sophistication and operator expertise to develop employment concepts that maximize the potential of current automated systems while building toward the autonomous future. The country’s tradition of military innovation, combined with access to advanced technology and experienced personnel, creates ideal conditions for pioneering effective uncrewed system employment.

The strategic implications are substantial. While potential adversaries may focus on quantity over quality, Australia can demonstrate how sophisticated automation, innovative employment concepts, and superior human-machine collaboration can create decisive advantages. This approach plays to Australian strengths while building the foundation for future autonomous superiority.

The choice facing Australian defence planners is not between current limitations and future perfection, but between seizing immediate opportunities and waiting for perfect solutions that may never arrive. Current uncrewed systems, properly employed, can enhance defence capability today while building the operational foundation necessary for an autonomous journey towards 2040.

The path forward is clear: embrace the potential of current uncrewed systems, accelerate their practical adoption through operator-focused development programs, and build the operational foundation necessary for autonomous excellence. Australia’s defence advantage lies not in waiting for tomorrow’s technology, but in maximizing today’s opportunities while building systematically toward future potential.

For a video discussing this article, see the following:

A Paradigm Shift in Maritime Operations: Autonomous Systems and Their Impact