It is the frontline troops, platforms and surveillance means which will witness replacement by unmanned platforms and sensors to begin with, as they are most vulnerable to enemy action. But as the linearity of battlefield is breached increasingly, targets in middle and depth areas will also be addressed by unmanned systems and missiles. Own defences and ground will be held by troops but in lesser density, supported by a larger mobile reserve.

The recent global conflicts, such as those in Ukraine, West Asia, and the tensions over Taiwan, have captured the attention of military experts and researchers. These wars have become testing grounds for new military equipment, technology, and tactics. Observers are analysing the effectiveness of new platforms, missiles, and strategies in real-world situations. For military scholars, such conflicts offer a chance to study strategies, tactics, and battle drills in action. Live combat provides valuable insights into the impact of modern technologies on both sides.

However, there is a limitation. these conflicts might not be ideal for drawing all lessons for future warfare. The Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Hamas/Hezbollah conflict, for example, are not conventional wars between equally matched adversaries. While Ukraine has significant military support, its capabilities still cannot match Russia’s overwhelming military strength. This imbalance means the stronger side may not use its full capabilities or reveal its true potential. Nevertheless, glimpses of advanced tactics and technologies, such as drones, hypersonic missiles, and electronic warfare, provide some useful insights.

Drones and UAVs have been widely used, showcasing their evolving role in combat. Long-range missiles, hypersonic weapons, and low-Earth orbit (LEO) systems like Starlink have demonstrated their importance for surveillance, communication, and precise strikes. Cyber and electronic warfare (CEMA), especially in Ukraine, has proven highly effective. Advanced sensors and (dense) air defence systems have reduced the role of manned aircraft in many situations. On the other hand, static defences, slow-moving equipment, and outdated tactical formations have shown their weaknesses and may soon become obsolete.

Modern warfare is rapidly changing with new technologies, particularly Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) and autonomous systems. These innovations are reshaping combat strategies, improving efficiency, and reducing risks to soldiers. As these technologies advance, they are set to dominate future battlefields and change how wars are fought and won. Understanding their role will be essential for shaping the future of military operations.

Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)

Manned-Unmanned Teaming represents a significant shift in how military operations are conducted. This approach involves the collaboration between manned platforms and unmanned systems, combining the strengths of both to create a more versatile and effective force. In MUM-T operations, soldiers/combatants in manned platforms, such as aircraft, ground vehicles, or ships, work alongside unmanned systems, including drones, ground robots, or autonomous ships. The human operator retains control over the mission, directing unmanned systems to perform specific tasks that complement the broader objectives of the mission.

One of the key advantages of MUM-T is the ability to leverage human judgment in complex and dynamic situations. Human operators bring a level of intuition, adaptability, and decision-making capability that is difficult for machines to replicate. For instance, in scenarios where ethical considerations or rules of engagement are paramount, human oversight ensures that decisions align with moral and legal standards. This is particularly important in situations where the consequences of actions can have significant political or humanitarian implications.

Additionally, MUM-T enhances situational awareness by integrating the sensory data collected by unmanned systems with the cognitive processing abilities of human operators. This synergy allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the battlefield, enabling more informed decision-making. For example, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can provide real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) data, which the human operator can use to assess threats, identify targets, and coordinate strikes more effectively.

However, MUM-T also presents challenges. The complexity of coordinating manned and unmanned systems can lead to operational inefficiencies, particularly if communication links are disrupted or if there is a lag between data collection and decision-making. Moreover, the dual-tasking required of human operators to manage both their own platform and the unmanned systems can lead to information and decision making overload, reducing performance and increasing the risk of errors. Thus, the need for robust training, advanced communication technologies, and user-friendly interfaces to ensure that MUM-T operations are effective and reliable.

Autonomous Platforms

Autonomous platforms represent the next frontier in military technology. These systems are designed to operate independently, without the need for human intervention during the execution of tasks. Autonomous platforms can perform a wide range of functions, from ISR and logistics to combat operations, relying on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms to make decisions in real-time. The potential of autonomous platforms lies in their ability to execute missions with speed, precision, and efficiency, particularly in op situations where human presence is either impossible or highly dangerous.

One of the most significant advantages of autonomous platforms is their ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and make decisions almost instantaneously. This capability is crucial in high-speed combat scenarios, where timing can be the difference between success and failure. Autonomous systems can analyse sensor data, assess threats, and engage targets with minimal latency, providing a decisive edge in situations where human reaction times would be insufficient.

Moreover, autonomous platforms reduce the risk to human life by taking on the most dangerous tasks, such as bomb disposal, reconnaissance in hostile environments, or direct combat in highly contested areas. Their expendability makes them ideal for missions where the likelihood of destruction is high. In addition, autonomous systems can operate continuously, without the need for rest, food, or other human necessities, making them suitable for long-duration missions in remote or inhospitable areas.

Despite these advantages, the deployment of fully autonomous platforms in warfare is not without controversy. The lack of human oversight raises ethical and legal concerns, particularly in the context of lethal weapons systems. The potential for autonomous systems to make life-and-death decisions without human input has sparked debate over the implications for international humanitarian law and the rules of engagement.

The next possible disadvantage of autonomous systems lies in the risk that these robotic  systems could be hacked, malfunction, or make decisions based on incomplete or flawed data, leading to unintended consequences on the battlefield. Once again, if the system is lethal, the consequence can be disastrous in case of a malfunction or hacking by the enemy.

The Future of Warfare

As military technologies continue to evolve, the future of warfare will likely involve a combination of MUM-T and fully autonomous systems. The integration of these technologies will depend on the specific mission requirements, the operating environment, and the level of acceptable risk. In some scenarios, MUM-T will be favoured for its ability to combine human judgment with the capabilities of unmanned systems, ensuring that operations are both effective and ethically sound. In other cases, fully autonomous platforms will be deployed where speed, precision, and the ability to operate independently are paramount.

The success of these technologies will hinge on the development of reliable communication networks, advanced AI algorithms, and robust cybersecurity measures to protect against hacking and other forms of electronic warfare. Moreover, the ethical and legal frameworks governing the use of autonomous systems in warfare will need to be carefully considered and developed to ensure that their deployment aligns with international norms and values.

Comparing Autonomous Systems and MUMT

Using the same template (above), we can draw a comparison between Autonomous Systems and MUMT Teaming. Let the apparent bias (as seen below) towards Autonomous systems not be a deciding factor, as we are using the table only for limited analysis. For rational, ethical and legal reasons our recommendations is in favour of a team while autonomous systems are preferable for specific targets and missions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Manned-Unmanned Teaming and autonomous platforms represent transformative technologies that will shape the future of warfare. While each approach has its advantages and drawbacks, the key to their successful integration lies in balancing the strengths of human judgment with the capabilities of machines.

Manned-Unmanned Teaming offers a balanced approach by combining human intuition and adaptability with the capabilities of unmanned systems. This synergy enhances operational effectiveness, especially in complex environments. However, it introduces significant challenges, including increased operational complexity, potential decision-making delays, and the need for reliable communication infrastructure. Autonomous platforms, while not yet capable of fully replacing human oversight in all scenarios, offer the advantages of speed, simplicity, and resilience, particularly in environments where rapid, independent decision-making is critical. The choice between MUM-T and fully autonomous platforms depends on the mission requirements, the operating environment, and the acceptable level of risk.