Manned-Unmanned Teaming - Thematic Intelligence

Over the past decade, major players in the global UAV market have directed significant attention and investment towards expanding the mission set of UAV platforms beyond the tradition ISR and precision ground strike roles. Buoyed by the continued development of artificial intelligence (AI) and platform autonomy solutions, western defense firms are exploring new roles for UAV platforms including aerial refuelling, strategic bombing and loyal wingmen among others. However, one concept is being explored which despite its significant technological challenges has the potential to radically alter the conduct of aerial combat operations and consequently the entire aerospace market over the next few decades: Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).

MUM-T denotes the homogenous employment of heterogenous aerial assets, namely traditional manned platforms (i.e. fighter jets and attack helicopters) and unmanned platforms, within individual combat units. Indeed, while UAVs have been used extensively for over three decades, they have always operated independently from other manned air assets. The MUM-T concept seeks to enable human operators to leverage the inherent benefits of both manned and unmanned platforms simultaneously, thus creating a multi-role and adaptive airborne force. The US and various other militaries have already begun testing the pairing of various unmanned assets with different types of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. The emergence of MUM-T capabilities has been enabled by various technological advances such as advanced data link solutions which allow for data to be exchanged between different types of airborne assets without a traditional Ground Control Station (GCS).

This report provides an overview of the MUM-T market, outlines advances in technology and key programs, and provides insight into current procurement and research trends.

Who Should Buy

• Our thematic research product, supported by our thematic engine, is aimed at senior (C-Suite) executives in the corporate world, decision makers, and institutional investors
• Corporations: Helps CEOs, CTOs, and other senior executives of companies understand this key theme, the competitive environment, and the market opportunities
• Investors: Helps fund managers and other major investors focus on investment opportunities in Defense and understand the market around MUM-T

Key Highlights

• Studies of emerging technological trends and their broader impact on the defense market
• Analysis of the various defense and security related MUM-T projects currently under development, as well cross-industry research initiatives which could impact the future applications of these technologies

Scope

• The key defense challenges that forces and defense sector suppliers face are covered
• The investment opportunities for armed forces, suppliers, and institutional investors, across the whole MUM-T value chain are covered
• Highlights from the range different MUM-T research and development programs currently being undertaken by various military organizations and defense companies

Reasons to Buy

• Determine potential investment companies based on trend analysis and market projections
• Gaining an understanding of the market challenges and opportunities surrounding the MUM-T theme
• Understanding how spending on MUM-T technology will fit into the overall market and which spending areas are being prioritized.