Strategies, Approaches, and Methods (SAM) refer to the practices and techniques employed by a specific group or organization in carrying out their activities.
In the dynamic world of drone technology, a structured framework known as Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP) plays a crucial role. This system guides operators in planning, deploying, and managing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for tasks ranging from surveillance to target acquisition, and emergency response.
TTPs consist of three interconnected components: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. Tactics outline the overall mission strategy, Techniques explain how to implement those tactics, and Procedures provide step-by-step instructions to ensure the techniques are executed precisely and safely.
These procedures evolve over time to keep up with new technologies and mission demands. For instance, during a flood response operation, drone teams use TTPs that include a wide-area scan with infrared sensors followed by a grid-based search to identify trapped individuals.
The drone industry continually refines TTPs through formal doctrine updates, operational experience, training, and technological experimentation. This evolution reflects shifting priorities from surveillance toward offensive and defensive combat roles and adapts to changing battlefield conditions and emerging drone technologies.
Key developments and evolutions include the formalization and standardization of TTPs, such as the U.S. Marine Corps' official drone-fighting handbook. This handbook codifies drone employment strategies, standardizes terminology, and sets formal guidance on camouflage and evasion techniques against hostile drones.
Military units also incorporate lessons learned from live-fire exercises and operational deployments into TTP updates. For example, the U.S. Army's recent exercises focusing on drone strikes and counter-drone measures aim to refine and improve TTPs, ensuring soldiers adapt to real-world conditions.
In addition, the development of specialized drone systems like tethered UAVs introduces new operational practices. Units train on quick emplacement, movement with tethered drones, and decision-making processes based on their ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) capabilities, evolving TTP to maximize these technologies’ tactical value.
In some cases, advanced platforms may automate certain TTPs, streamlining operations and reducing human error. However, TTPs are not always required for all drone missions, but high-stakes or repeatable missions benefit significantly from them.
Notable figures in the drone community, like Jacob Stoner, CEO of Flyeye.io, contribute to the development and refinement of TTPs. As a licensed commercial drone operator in Canada with extensive expertise in the drone industry, Stoner's keen interest lies in the potential societal impact of drone technology advancements.
In conclusion, TTPs evolve through a combination of doctrinal standardization, training feedback loops, integration of new drone capabilities, and real-time operational experience, with increasing emphasis on both offensive uses and counter-drone defense amid modern warfare demands. As drone technology continues to advance, the importance of TTPs in ensuring safe, efficient, and effective drone operations will only grow.
[1] U.S. Marine Corps, Drone Fighting Handbook, 2020. [2] Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Daily Operating System for Drone Warfare Management, 2021. [3] U.S. Army, Exercise Focuses on Drone Strikes and Counter-Drone Measures, 2022. [4] Israel Defense Forces, Solar-Powered Drones and Guided Missile Drones in Asymmetric Warfare, 2019. [5] U.S. Army, Environmental Factors Affecting Electronic Systems and Communication in Drone Operations, 2020.
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