An Argument against Satellite Resiliency: Simplicity in the Face of Modern Satellite Design

The US Air Force and the wider US government rely heavily on space-based capabilities in various orbital regimes to project national security and sovereignty. However, these capabilities are enabled by the design, launch, and operation of satellites produced with a design methodology that favors large, monolithic, and technologically exquisite space systems. Despite the ability for these satellites to provide enduring and resilient capabilities, they suffer from a woefully long acquisition process that debilitates any prospect of rapid satellite reconstitution in the event of a space war

Game of Drones: Defending Against Drone Terrorism

This Article considers the threat posed by drone terrorism and the technological and legal issues involved in setting up defensive responses. First, the Article provides an overview of current drone technology, legal views on weaponized military drones, and a discussion of the potential appeal of drones as vehicles for terrorism. Next, it discusses the current laws and regulations pertaining to private drones. The Article then lays out the three challenges to defending against drone terrorism: detecting potentially hostile drones, identifying them, and destroying or neutralizing them. Finally, it closes with some proposals to begin to develop the legal and technological architecture to defend against drone terrorism

Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Cyber Domain

Unmanned Aircraft Systems are an integral part of the US national critical infrastructure. The authors have endeavored to bring a breadth and quality of information to the reader that is unparalleled in the unclassified sphere. This textbook will fully immerse and engage the reader / student in the cyber-security considerations of this rapidly emerging technology that we know as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The first edition topics covered National Airspace (NAS) policy issues, information security (INFOSEC), UAS vulnerabilities in key systems (Sense and Avoid / SCADA), navigation and collision avoidance systems, stealth design, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms; weapons systems security; electronic warfare considerations; data-links, jamming, operational vulnerabilities and still-emerging political scenarios that affect US military / commercial decisions. This second edition discusses state-of-the-art technology issues facing US UAS designers. It focuses on counter unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) – especially research designed to mitigate and terminate threats by SWARMS. Topics include high-altitude platforms (HAPS) for wireless communications; C-UAS and large scale threats; acoustic countermeasures against SWARMS and building an Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) acoustic library; updates to the legal / regulatory landscape; UAS proliferation along the Chinese New Silk Road Sea / Land routes; and ethics in this new age of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence (AI).https://newprairiepress.org/ebooks/1027/thumbnail.jp

The South African Air Force (SAAF), unmanned aircraft systems and national security : an exploratory study

Thesis (MMil)--Stellenbosch University, 2021.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The proliferation of unmanned aircraft technologies, whether unarmed or armed, and the ease at which military, non-state actors, terrorists, extremists groups and organised crime syndicates can acquire drone technologies, are becoming an increasing threat on a global scale. Drones are here to stay, and will remain in the public eye for many years to come. The use of unmanned aircraft systems, referred to as drones is a highly relevant and emotionally debated topic all over the world. Most debates focus around the types of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones available to various role players throughout the global community, whether they are armed or unarmed, the various ways in which they are used, the opposition expressed by various humanitarian groups, the lack of international regulations regarding the use of unmanned aircraft, the extreme pace of proliferation of technologically advancements in drones, artificial intelligence (AI) and 3-D technology, and the 4thindustrial revolution (IR). Of equal importance is the impact, threats and challenges which unmanned aircraft systems could possibly have on South Africa’s national security, and on its neighbouring regions such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC). This, as background, compounded by the severe operational budget cuts with the implication that operational infrastructure, training and a military’s capabilities cannot be maintained. The SAAF, like the SA Navy, is technology driven and requires the best technology money can buy to be an effective and efficient force multiplier. Taken the above budget restrictions and challenges into consideration, it is questioned whether the SAAF could provide prepared and supported air defence capabilities for the defence and protection of South Africa. Similarly, should unmanned aircraft systems in future pose a threat to SA, would the SAAF have the appropriate counter-measures to counter such threats? This study explored the above-mentioned aspects regarding unmanned aircraft systems seen from a global and national level. The military, industrial and commercial aspects of unmanned aircraft systems are discussed. The aim of this study was to explore unmanned aircraft systems within the 21st century, and to identify the current gaps with regard to unmanned aircraft systems employment. In conclusion, the thesis presents recommendations for doctrine, policy and aviation safety in general.AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.Master

Complex Terrain

This edited volume, composed by military professionals in the Gray Scholars Program at Marine Corps University, describes the changing character of urban operations. The pattern of human settlement and interaction is changing and the future is urban. Because the majority of the world’s population lives within cities, the future of strategic competition and conflict reside there as well. The density and connectivity of urban environments create a new type of complex terrain. Interests change from neighborhood to neighborhood, often intersecting global, political, and economic networks. Each city block sees shifting allegiances that often seem unclear from the outside. The cityscape compresses time and space while increasing uncertainty and complicating the conduct of military operations

North Dakota\u27s New Frontier: Unmanned Aircraft

Unmanned Aircraft, or drones, represent a modern-day frontier, one that is, as yet, neither fully explored nor fully developed. The state of North Dakota has moved into the frontier and is deeply involved in its exploration and development. The state has invested tens of millions of dollars in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) industry, an investment that has helped to attract tens of millions of additional dollars from military sources and from private business firms. The University of North Dakota’s John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, long-recognized as among the leading aviation schools in the nation, is at the forefront of developing and applying Unmanned Aircraft Systems, and the school was the first to offer a university degree in UAS. Noting North Dakota’s commanding position in the UAS industry, an article in the New York Times dated December 25, 2015, referred to the state as “the Silicon Valley of Drones.” This thesis will contribute to the scholarly treatment of the UAS industry by concentrating on its development and application in the state of North Dakota. It will do so by using frontiers as the historical backdrop. Throughout the state’s history, North Dakotans have been characterized by their ability and willingness to adapt to the hardships and challenges faced on the North Dakota frontiers. They have also been able and willing to adapt to opportunities, to prospects, and to advances in technology. This thesis treats how North Dakotans are once again adapting, this time to the opportunities, prospects, and challenges presented by yet another frontier- that of unmanned aircraft or drones

Evaluating The Effectiveness of Targeted Killing Counterterrorism Strategy: The Nature And Limits of Doctrinal, Hermeneutical and Systematic Game Theory Approaches.

Literature reviewed so far shows that several scholars dismiss targeted killings as clear violation of international law; while others argue that it is the law that should adapt to its contemporary context of application. My thesis argues in favour of the latter concept. My aim is to clarify the current legal interpretation of targeted killings and then enhance and supplement the international legal framework by identifying a range of standards in which states can lawfully and effectively defend themselves against terrorists. Critical analysis of legislations permitting the use of lethal force, through the methodological approach of doctrinal analysis, which focuses on the meaning of legal categories in the abstract, reveals that targeted killing is an accepted form of self-defence, during peace time, only when it is carried out in response to imminent threats that are both instant and overwhelming. A would-be victim must have no alternative choice of means and no moment of deliberation but to respond to an armed attack in a proportionate measure. From the perspective of such doctrinal analysis, only upon satisfaction of this condition can Article 51 of the United Nations Charter be invoked. Laws of Armed Conflict permit the use of targeted killings against civilians only when they are found to be directly participating in hostilities against those targeting them. By cross referencing these legal provisions with the supplementary methodology of socio- legal studies, which in contrast to doctrinal approach focuses analysis upon of the law in action, it is possible to secure more critical insights. My research has thus identified discrepancies between these regulatory laws and their actual application to practical scenarios. The thesis addresses the following questions: firstly, because terroristic plots are typically planned covertly and executed instantaneously, what comprises the catalyst for victims of terrorism - who do not have an overwhelming imminent threat experience - to enable them to mount an effective defence? Secondly, since terrorists covertly plot and execute attacks, how can states fulfil the condition under the laws of armed conflict of finding terrorists engaged in the act of hostilities in order to fulfil the present criteria for ‘lawful targeting processes’? Existing international law provisions, appearing to permit killing in self-defence within limited parameters, are underdeveloped and the legality of targeted killing is, therefore, debateable. Thus, the thesis adopts a mixed method approach that critically evaluates legislative provisions permitting killing in self-defence and the viability of their application to practical scenarios. They include the following: A qualitative hermeneutical analysis of theoretical perspectives from legal realist, liberal cosmopolitan and pragmatic schools of thought and associated methodologies. This will highlight challenges with attempts to fully applying existing law to contemporary targeted killing; and a semi- quantitative approach using the Peace War Game Theory analytical tool. In order to clarify the contribution of targeted killings as a viable counterterrorism strategy, the latter methodological approach, which addresses the options facing different parties relative to their goals, serves as a new lens for predetermining the outcomes of strategic decisions, regarding the long term utilization of targeted killings. As an original contribution to the literature, my research critically tests the viability of this game theory methodological approach as a means of adding something new to existing debates over research practice. It further suggests guidelines for a new legal model focussed, in particular, upon the use of targeted killings as a counterterrorism strategy. As the game theory methodological approach envisages, deployment of targeted killing may only serve to alleviate or defer future terroristic activities from persons who have been killed rather than eliminate terrorism and its concept completely