UAVs and RPAs, Hypersonics, and Defensive Cyber Operations

Provide response here: Response to F I agree that investments in both UAVs and RPAs, as well as the cyber networks that control them, are paramount to countering A2/AD strategies. The FQ-X and its AI and machine learning capabilities can be used to great effect against enemy aircraft (Byrnes 2014, 58-65). At the same time, the Gremlin Air Vehicles can be utilized as an effective offensive measure against mobile surface-to-air and surface-to-surface systems. However, I also believe that the development of other systems should not be neglected. For instance, the U.S. should invest in developing low-observable cruise missiles, such as the AGM-158C LRASM, which can penetrate an enemy's advanced air defense systems. It should also focus on developing new radars and sensors that can accurately detect and track enemy targets in a GPS-denied environment. I would add that USAF should invest in electronic warfare capabilities to counter and jam the radar and communications systems of the adversary. This can provide cover and protection for crewless vehicles and RPAs to execute their mission without being detected or shot down. Finally, the U.S. should consider developing advanced electronic warfare capabilities that can disrupt an adversary's communications and data links to prevent their A2/AD strategies from being effective (Banasik 2022, 8-10). A multi-pronged approach is necessary to counter modern A2/AD strategies effectively. References Banasik, M. (2022). Multi-Domain Concept of Using A2/AD Capabilities in the Military Strategy of the Russian Federation. Byrnes, M. W. (2014). Nightfall: Machine autonomy in air-to-air combat. AIR UNIV MAXWELL AFB AL AIR FORCE RESEARCH INST.   Robertson's Response to Question B: Hypersonics Hypersonics align with the USAF strategic vision outlined in the USAF Strategic Master Plan because of their ability to engage targets within an A2AD environment, without the weapons system engaging the target being required to enter the denied environment. The speed and range of hypersonic strike weapons essentially subverts A2AD and air defenses without putting the launch platform itself at risk (Calhoun, 2016). Additionally, hypersonic technologies are being quickly fielded across a number of partner and adversarial nations, which provides justification for increased investment in this capability in the near term. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) align with the USAF strategic vision outlined in the USAF Strategic Master Plan for a number of reasons, but specifically, because of their applicability to Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2). As technological advancements across systems and platforms continue to be adopted in pursuit of a future peer to peer LSCO conflict, the single pane of glass JADC2 will provide commanders cannot be synthesized without the exploitation of capabilities brought to bear by AI/ML algorithms (). The sheer amount of data that will be coming in from sensors, intelligence reporting, and a number of different inputs is more than humans can sift through in the time that decisions will be made in future fights. Provide response here:  Response to Robertson I agree with using hypersonics and artificial int...