Futures

U.S. Army’s Initiative to Use High-Altitude Balloons for Drone Swarms and ISR Operations, (from page 20220212.)

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Summary

The U.S. Army is exploring the use of high-altitude balloons to deploy drone swarms and enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities behind enemy lines. These balloons, flying in the stratosphere, could launch unmanned aircraft, collect intelligence, serve as communications relays, and deploy sensors on the ground. This initiative is part of the Army’s broader Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) concept, aiming to fill gaps between various ISR platforms. The balloons are viewed as cost-effective alternatives to satellites and traditional aircraft, capable of persistent operations in contested areas. They can carry advanced electronic warfare systems and act as platforms for loitering munitions. Historical context shows previous military uses of lighter-than-air vehicles for surveillance, but modern technology allows for greater control and longer flight durations. The Army is still defining specific operational requirements for these concepts.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Drone Swarms from Balloons The U.S. Army plans to launch drone swarms from high-altitude balloons. Transitioning from traditional ground and aerial ISR to balloon-deployed drone swarms. In ten years, drone swarms from balloons may redefine military reconnaissance and strike capabilities. Advancements in balloon technology and the need for flexible ISR in contested environments. 4
Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) Army’s MDSS integrates various sensing platforms, including high-altitude balloons. Moving from isolated sensing systems to an integrated multi-domain approach. In a decade, MDSS could enhance situational awareness and operational effectiveness in warfare. The increasing complexity of modern warfare necessitates integrated surveillance systems. 5
Increased Use of High-Altitude Balloons High-altitude balloons are being explored for diverse military roles, including ISR and communications. Shift from limited balloon use to widespread deployment for various military applications. High-altitude balloons might become standard equipment for military ISR and communication roles. A need for cost-effective and flexible alternatives to satellites and aircraft. 4
Technological Advancements in Balloon Navigation Recent advancements allow balloons to stay aloft longer and navigate more precisely. From limited control and short flight duration to sustained and controlled missions. In ten years, balloon technology could enable persistent surveillance in hostile areas. Technological progress in aerospace engineering and materials. 4
Commercial Interest in High-Altitude Balloons Companies like Loon are exploring balloon tech for internet and communication services. Commercial applications expanding from military to civilian sectors. High-altitude balloons may provide widespread internet coverage and emergency services globally. The demand for connectivity in remote areas and disaster recovery efforts. 3
NATO’s Balloon-Based Radar Projects NATO is developing a balloon-based radar system for emergency response and disaster relief. Expanding military applications of balloon technology beyond traditional uses. In a decade, balloon-based systems could play a critical role in emergency response across NATO. The increasing need for rapid response capabilities in various scenarios. 3

Concerns

name description relevancy
Use of Drone Swarms in Warfare The deployment of drone swarms over enemy territory raises ethical and strategic concerns regarding autonomous warfare and civilian safety. 5
High-Altitude Balloons as Surveillance Tools Utilizing high-altitude balloons for surveillance and intelligence could lead to breaches of privacy and international law. 4
Cybersecurity Risks in Warfare The integration of drones and automated systems could increase vulnerabilities to cyberattacks that disrupt military operations. 5
Dependence on Balloon Technology Reliance on high-altitude balloons for military operations may pose challenges if systems fail or are disabled during conflict. 4
Environmental Concerns Launching balloons and drones may lead to debris and environmental damage due to malfunction or conflicts, impacting ecosystems. 3
Escalation of Military Conflicts Advanced warfare technologies like drone swarms could escalate conflicts, leading to larger and more devastating wars. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Drone Swarm Deployment Utilizing high-altitude balloons to launch swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles for reconnaissance and strikes behind enemy lines. 5
Enhanced ISR Capabilities High-altitude balloons acting as sensor platforms to improve intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations in denied areas. 5
Communications Relay Systems Using balloons to serve as communication relays for extended distances and beyond-line-of-sight capabilities. 4
Persistent Surveillance Solutions Deploying balloons for long-duration missions to maintain surveillance in areas difficult to monitor with traditional platforms. 4
Cost-Effective Military Operations High-altitude balloons providing a cheaper alternative to satellites for various military roles, enhancing tactical support. 4
Integration of Electronic Warfare Potential use of balloons for electronic warfare, including jamming and cyber operations. 3
Flexible Strike Operations Ability to carry out direct strikes using loitering munitions launched from high-altitude balloons. 4
Multi-Domain Sensing System Part of a broader strategy to combine various sensing systems across multiple domains for comprehensive surveillance. 5
Civilian and Military Synergy Collaboration between military and commercial sectors in developing high-altitude balloon technologies for diverse applications. 3

Technologies

name description relevancy
High-Altitude Balloons Lighter-than-air vehicles used for intelligence, surveillance, communications, and launching drone swarms over enemy territory. 5
Drone Swarms Groups of unmanned aircraft capable of coordinated operations, including surveillance and strikes in enemy areas. 5
Loitering Munitions Drones designed to loiter over an area and engage targets, also known as ‘suicide drones.’ 4
Unattended Ground Sensors (UGS) Autonomous sensors deployed to monitor areas without human presence, providing intelligence on enemy movements. 4
Electronic Warfare Systems Technologies designed to disrupt enemy electronic systems, potentially carried by balloons or drones. 4
Hypersonic Missiles Missiles capable of traveling faster than five times the speed of sound, used for delivering loitering munitions. 4
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) A type of radar used to create two-dimensional images of a target area, enhancing surveillance capabilities. 4
Extended Distance Communication Systems Communication systems that enable beyond-line-of-sight communications using high-altitude platforms. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
High-Altitude Balloon Utilization The Army’s exploration of using high-altitude balloons for intelligence, surveillance, and drone deployment in military operations. 5
Drone Swarm Technology The development of swarming drones that can operate autonomously and carry out military missions behind enemy lines. 5
Multi-Domain Sensing System (MDSS) A layered approach combining various platforms for enhanced surveillance and communication in military operations. 4
Loitering Munitions The potential shift towards using loitering munitions, or ‘suicide drones’, in military strategies for precision strikes. 4
Electronic Warfare and Cyber Capabilities Integration of electronic warfare systems with high-altitude balloons to enhance military operations and security. 4
Interim Replacement for Space-Based Systems High-altitude balloons as a cost-effective alternative to satellites for communication and reconnaissance during conflicts. 3
Commercial and NATO Interest in Balloons The growing interest from commercial entities and NATO in the use of high-altitude balloons for various applications, including emergency response. 3