Amid the many concepts that have changed the skies over the battlefield, loitering munitions have played a significant role. Peter Felstead charts their history and assesses the latest developments in aerial warfare
Backin the 1980s, a number of ‘suicide drones’ and missiles were developed for use in the suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) role. This early incarnation of the modern-day loitering munitions (LM) was initially aimed at offering a persistent presence over the battlefield to target enemy air defences that were not constantly emitting from their radars. Now, as technology has evolved, LMs offer even more versatility.
Many of the latest LMs blur the line between a munition and what would be considered a tactical unmanned aerial system (UAS), given that they provide an effective tactical surveillance capability with their onboard electro-optical and infrared seekers while also closing down the ‘sensor-to-shooter’ cycle by offering the capability to strike a target, sometimes down to the individual soldier level. LMs can also target an area, rather than needing a specific target prior to launch, and while some are expendable rounds, those with a longer endurance can offer an offen…
