[ReignOfError]

A few more years though and we'll probably see "launch-and-forget" or "smart" UAV's, that will not require ground or sat comms to do the mission, and which have hardened electronics.

I have my doubts about that. You want human judgment in the mix when you pull the trigger; the situation on the ground might have changed since the UAV took off. It might get to the point, though, where the UAV does all the flying and targeting,and all it needs is someone on the ground to press the "go" button.

[PsyOp]

I have my doubts about that. You want human judgment in the mix when you pull the trigger; the situation on the ground might have changed since the UAV took off.

I mean that they will have the capability to fight and fly according to pre-programmed parameters and under supervision, but have the capability to go it alone and continue the mission if comms are lost. If you don't think the military is going to want that capability, guess again.

The ability to monitor and intervene, of course, but also the capability to do the mission hands off. No ground crew required.