top of page
Search

C2 and AI Integration In Drone Warfare - Impacts On TTPs & Military Strategy

4 days ago10 min read

STRATEGY CENTRAL

For and By Practitioners

By Monte Erfourth – February 17, 2025

 


 Introduction

The rapid advancement of drone technology has revolutionized modern warfare, reshaping battlefield tactics and military doctrine worldwide. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have evolved from simple reconnaissance tools to sophisticated combat assets capable of executing precision strikes, electronic warfare, and autonomous missions. While the United States continues to refine its approach to drone integration, adversaries such as Iran, China, and Russia are rapidly advancing their own drone capabilities. This article examines developments in drone command and control, technological advancements, military integration, and how nations like Iran, China, and Russia are leveraging UAVs for conventional and asymmetric warfare.  The implications extend beyond tactical or operational advancement. 

 

 Command and Control: The Evolution of Drone Networks Coupled With AI

AI is essential for enhancing military drones and improving aspects like command, navigation, targeting, and mission planning. As AI develops, its influence on combat operations will grow. The integration of AI and machine learning has increased drone effectiveness, allowing for real-time battlefield data analysis and improved targeting. For instance, the MQ-9 Reaper features enhanced autonomous targeting, reducing human involvement. In Ukraine, drone warfare has advanced with forces using "motherships" that deploy smaller armed drones, signaling a shift from reconnaissance to frontline combat (FN Media Group, 2025; Ars Technica, 2025).

 

Despite growing autonomy, modern drone operations will continue to rely heavily on advanced command and control (C2) systems to enhance coordination, effectiveness, and efficiency. L3Harris has unveiled a new software suite, AMORPHOUS, designed to control thousands of drones simultaneously through a decentralized system, eliminating reliance on a single "mothership" drone (Breaking Defense, 2025). This advancement represents a significant leap in swarm technology, where multiple drones operate in unison, autonomously adapting to battlefield conditions.

 

The U.S. military has also focused on anti-jamming and secure communications for UAVs. Traditional drone operations depend on radio frequencies, which can be vulnerable to electronic warfare tactics. To address this issue, emerging technologies employ fail-safe circuits and redundant communication pathways to ensure operational effectiveness even in contested environments (Benchmark, 2024).

 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the development of autonomous military drones by significantly enhancing their command and control systems as well as their operational capabilities. The integration of AI allows drones to carry out complex missions with greater autonomy, precision, and efficiency, thus transforming the dynamics of modern warfare.

 

AI-driven command and control (C2) processes enable real-time data analysis and decision-making, which allows for more responsive and adaptive mission planning and execution. For example, the U.S. Air Force's Artificial Intelligence and Next Generation Distributed Command and Control project aims to apply AI to enhance distributed C2 capabilities in contested environments, exploring areas such as mission-specific AI and advanced wargaming agents.

 

Recent developments include:

 

  • Autonomous Navigation and Targeting: AI improves the autonomous navigation of military drones by analyzing data from various sensors to understand complex environments. This allows UAVs to function in settings where GPS and communication are unreliable. For instance, Shield AI's Hivemind software enables drones to navigate autonomously in these difficult conditions, aiding reconnaissance and combat missions.

 

In targeting, AI algorithms improve the identification and engagement of targets with greater speed and accuracy. AI-powered drones can process vast amounts of sensor data to detect patterns and anomalies, facilitating rapid threat assessment and response. The integration of AI into unmanned aerial vehicles is enhancing decision-making processes, situational awareness, and operational efficiency on an unprecedented scale.

 

  • Adaptive Mission Planning: AI enables drones to dynamically adjust their mission parameters in response to real-time battlefield changes. This includes rerouting to avoid threats, reallocating resources, and modifying objectives to align with evolving mission goals. The military must move past industrial-age thinking and embrace an information—and machine-age environment, viewing command and control as a continuously evolving state.

 

  • Ethical and Strategic Considerations: The deployment of AI in military drones raises important ethical and strategic questions, particularly concerning autonomous weapon systems' decision-making in lethal engagements. It is paramount to ensure that AI applications comply with international humanitarian laws and ethical standards. Collaborative efforts between AI experts and military personnel are vital for advancing the integration of artificial intelligence in military drone operations and ensuring the responsible and accountable use of these technologies in defense strategies.

 

 U.S. Organizational Changes: Integrating Drones into Military Operations

The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps actively develop and integrate advanced drone systems to enhance their operational capabilities. They are also engaging in joint initiatives to ensure interoperability and effectiveness across all service branches.

 

U.S. Army Initiatives:

 

  • Future Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (FTUAS): Aiming to replace the aging RQ-7 Shadow drones, the Army is advancing the FTUAS program to provide Brigade Combat Teams with agile and versatile unmanned aerial systems for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.


  • Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program: The Army has selected companies to develop small drones designed for company-level intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, enhancing situational awareness for ground units.

     

  • Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS): Addressing the growing threat of hostile drones, the Army has awarded contracts for the development of systems like the Leonidas high-power microwave weapon, capable of disabling swarms of enemy drones.

     

Recognizing the transformative impact of drones, the U.S. Army has undertaken structural reforms to better integrate UAVs into existing military frameworks. House Resolution 8070, passed in June 2024, proposed the establishment of a dedicated Drone Corps, though this was ultimately rejected in favor of integrating drones within existing combat units (War Room, 2025).

 

U.S. Navy Initiatives:

 

  • MQ-25A Stingray: The Navy is integrating the MQ-25A Stingray, an unmanned aerial refueling tanker, into its carrier air wings to extend the range of manned aircraft such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet.


  •  Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs): Advancing its fleet of USVs, the Navy is developing platforms for missions including surveillance, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare, with successful endurance tests marking significant milestones.

     

  • High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS): To bolster shipboard defense against aerial threats, the Navy has tested the HELIOS laser weapon system aboard naval vessels, enhancing counter-drone capabilities.

     

U.S. Air Force Initiatives:

 

  • XQ-58A Valkyrie: The Air Force has been testing the XQ-58A Valkyrie, a stealthy unmanned combat air vehicle designed to function as a "loyal wingman," capable of accompanying manned fighters like the F-16 and performing missions ranging from reconnaissance to electronic warfare.


  • Drone-Launched Swarms: Air Force Special Operations Command is exploring advancements in autonomous aircraft technology, including the deployment of drone swarms launched from larger unmanned systems to enhance situational awareness and disrupt enemy defenses.

 

U.S. Marine Corps Initiatives:

 

  • XQ-58A Valkyrie Testing: The Marine Corps has conducted test flights of the XQ-58A Valkyrie to assess its suitability for Marine-specific missions, successfully providing critical targeting data to F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters during exercises.


  • Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS): Recognizing the threat of hostile drones, the Marine Corps has invested in developing systems to detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones, enhancing the protection of Marine units.


  • Autonomous Maritime Platforms: The Marine Corps has developed autonomous, low-profile semisubmersible vessels designed to transport equipment, weapons, and supplies to Marines in contested environments, offering a stealthy logistical solution.

 

Joint Capabilities and Testing:

 

The U.S. military emphasizes joint development and testing of unmanned systems to ensure interoperability and cohesive operational strategies across all branches.

 

  • Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA): The Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps have entered a tri-service agreement to standardize key components of their respective CCA programs, aiming to integrate unmanned systems into manned missions effectively.


  • Project Convergence: Hosted by the Army, Project Convergence serves as an experimentation venue for joint services and multinational partners to test capabilities and concepts associated with the Pentagon’s Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) initiative. This project focuses on integrating systems across all military services and key international partners to enhance battlefield awareness and operational readiness.


  • AUKUS AI and Autonomy Trials: Under the AUKUS pact, the U.S., UK, and Australia have conducted joint military exercises deploying autonomous drones equipped with artificial intelligence to identify and engage enemy targets. These trials aim to ensure interoperability of advanced technologies among allies and represent a significant milestone in the use of AI-driven unmanned systems in real-time battlefield scenarios.

 

Through these initiatives, the U.S. military is enhancing its operational effectiveness by integrating advanced unmanned systems tailored to service-specific missions while fostering joint capabilities to address evolving global security challenges.

 

Iran, China, and Russia: The Rise of Global Drone Competitors

Iran, China, and Russia have rapidly expanded their drone capabilities, challenging U.S. dominance in UAV warfare. Working collaboratively, they are actively advancing their military drone capabilities, focusing on both the development of sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and the enhancement of command and control systems and innovative delivery systems.

 

  •  IRAN: Iran has developed a robust UAV program, producing drones like the Shahed-136, which have been widely used by proxy forces in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, demonstrating strategic value in asymmetric warfare. The newly unveiled Shahid Baqeri drone carrier enhances Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders, particularly in the Gulf and Red Sea regions (Breaking Defense, 2025). Iran’s use of swarm tactics and kamikaze drones underscores its commitment to conventional and asymmetric warfare.

 

  •  CHINA: China has established itself as a key player in military drone technology, developing a wide range of UAVs from Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones to ultra-small biomimetic drones. China’s drone capabilities are among the most advanced globally, with platforms like the Wing Loong and CH-4 rivaling U.S. Predator drones. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has integrated drones into combined arms operations, leveraging AI-driven UAVs for surveillance, electronic warfare, and strike missions. China’s advances in drone swarms, hypersonic UAVs, and autonomous systems place it in direct competition with the United States (IEEE Spectrum, 2025).  China also supports Russian drone research and production by defying sanctions to serve as a principal hub for smuggling Western components critical for Russia's military drone production.

 

  •  RUSSIA: Despite the challenges of Western sanctions, Russia has invested heavily in developing UAVs for reconnaissance, targeting, electronic warfare, and direct strikes. This investment has significantly expanded its drone fleet since the invasion of Ukraine.  Years of intense field experimentation using UAVs for reconnaissance, artillery spotting, and direct attacks have yielded considerable advancements in drone technology. The Lancet loitering munition and Orlan-10 reconnaissance drones have been instrumental in Russian military operations. Additionally, Russia has collaborated with Iran to acquire and modify Shahed drones for battlefield use, further integrating UAVs into its warfighting doctrine (Ars Technica, 2025).

 

  •  Are They More Advanced Than the U.S.?: The cooperation among China, Russia, and Iran in military drone development and technology transfer has significant implications for global security dynamics. These collaborations enhance their respective military capabilities and present challenges to international security frameworks.

 

While Iran, China, and Russia have made significant advancements in drone warfare, the United States remains at the forefront of UAV technology. U.S. drones benefit from superior AI integration, networked warfare capabilities, and secure communications. However, China’s advancements in autonomous systems and swarm tactics pose a growing challenge. Iran and Russia’s use of cost-effective, mass-produced drones has proven highly effective in asymmetric conflicts, highlighting vulnerabilities in traditional U.S. air defenses.

 

 

Future Outlook: The Next Frontier in Drone Warfare

The future of drone warfare will likely be characterized by increased automation, enhanced swarm intelligence, and greater integration with manned systems. The Pentagon’s pursuit of autonomous "loyal wingman" drones, designed to operate alongside fighter jets, reflects this trend (IEEE Spectrum, 2025). Additionally, advancements in drone countermeasures, including directed energy weapons and AI-driven electronic warfare, will shape the next phase of military competition.

Drones are fundamentally altering military tactics and operations. On the tactical level, UAVs have introduced unprecedented flexibility in reconnaissance, close air support, and targeted strikes. The ability to deploy drones for real-time surveillance and rapid offensive actions has increased the lethality and responsiveness of modern armed forces. Swarm drone tactics, in particular, allow for saturation attacks that can overwhelm enemy defenses, changing the calculus of battlefield engagements.

At the operational level, the proliferation of drones has necessitated new command and control doctrines. Military units must now incorporate UAVs into joint operations across land, sea, air, and even space domains. Reliance on autonomous and semi-autonomous drones reduces the need for large-scale troop deployments, enabling rapid response capabilities and minimizing risk to personnel. As a result, armed forces are restructuring their organizational frameworks to exploit UAV potential.

On the strategic level, the rise of drone warfare has significant implications for deterrence, escalation control, and power projection. Nations with advanced drone capabilities can conduct precision strikes with plausible deniability, increasing the risk of miscalculation and conflict escalation. Additionally, as drones lower the threshold for engaging in military action, adversaries may resort to UAV-based skirmishes to test their opponents' resolve. The integration of drones into strategic deterrence frameworks will be crucial in shaping future global security dynamics.


 

 Works Cited

28 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments

bottom of page