We are in the midst of some fundamental changes in how this nation fights its wars. Some of these changes are the result of our efforts. Others are the result of our adversaries’ endeavors. For us, both Iraq and Afghanistan have been true “crucibles of invention” as our tactics, techniques and procedures have evolved to meet the demands of the changing battlefield situation. But we’re not the only ones who are learning the lessons of those wars.
China’s People’s Liberation Army is among those paying very close attention to our recent combat experiences. It turns out the Chinese have been very impressed with our ability to use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to effectively track, target and kill insurgents in both theaters. A July 4 article in the Washington Post describes how the Chinese are producing drones that are similar to our Predator and Global Hawk UAVs and showcasing them at the Zhuhai air show, the top such event in their country.
The clear implication is that the Chinese want to be able to match and, eventually, surpass our capabilities. The same can be said for the Iranians and the Russians.
What do these developments mean for us? First, as with all military technological breakthroughs, those who develop innovative technologies cannot hope to keep that technological monopoly forever. This was as true for gunpowder, tanks, and manned aircraft.
The same will hold true for UAVs. The February 2009 shoot-down of an Iranian UAV over Baghdad is further ample proof that our rivals seek to capture or, at the very least, neutralize the advantages we’ve enjoyed with this and other technologies.
Second, it challenges us to come up with even more innovative ways to preserve our tactical and strategic advantages. Work is going on throughout our region to do just that. In particular, organizations such as the Marine Corps Systems Command at Quantico, as well as a myriad of defense agencies at Fort Belvoir and other area locations, are leaders in that effort.
Third, no matter how innovative our systems engineering or intelligence experts are, nothing they do will be able to substitute for the development of a coherent and innovative national military strategy that seeks to preserve and enhance our technological advantages.
If we do not develop such a strategy, we risk being challenged by nations and others who do not share our interests. Once those challenges are successful, it will be much more difficult to pursue our national interests around the world and we risk losing the freedoms we’ve fought so hard to preserve.
Cedric Leighton lives in Lorton and is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a Washington area strategic risk and management consultancy.
