The Future of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) Opportunities and Challenges

Introduction

Manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) represents a transformative approach in both military and civilian sectors, integrating manned and unmanned systems to enhance operational capabilities and efficiency. This article explores the current landscape of MUM-T, its future potential, technological advancements, challenges, and the vast opportunities it presents.

Current Landscape

MUM-T is increasingly recognised as a critical capability within modern military strategies and operations. It involves synchronising manned and unmanned platforms, such as aircraft and ground vehicles, to achieve superior situational awareness, increased lethality, and enhanced survivability.

The technology is not only confined to the military; its applications are being explored in civilian areas like firefighting, search and rescue, and law enforcement due to its potential to perform complex tasks with precision and speed. Platforms like the AH-64E Apache helicopter in the military domain represent advanced MUM-T applications. These platforms can control unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to conduct reconnaissance or strike missions, extending their operational capabilities without exposing crewed aircraft to undue risk.

Technological Advancements

The core of MUM-T's effectiveness lies in its sophisticated systems architecture and communication protocols. These systems allow for various levels of interoperability (LOI) between manned and unmanned assets, ranging from receiving data to complete control over unmanned systems. Advances in artificial intelligence (A.I.) and machine learning are further enhancing these capabilities, enabling more autonomous operations and reducing the cognitive load on human operators.?

Significant developments have also been made in sensor technology and data fusion, which are crucial for the real-time data sharing and decision-making processes that MUM-T systems rely on. For instance, integrating A.I. in data analysis helps filter vast amounts of information to deliver only the most relevant intelligence to operators.

Challenges

Despite its potential, MUM-T faces several challenges. Technological integration across diverse platforms presents significant hurdles due to varying standards and compatibility issues. Security concerns, particularly regarding data breaches and hacking, are also paramount, given the reliance on wireless communication systems. Another major challenge is the cognitive load on human operators. As the systems become more complex, ensuring that operators can effectively manage and respond to the information and control systems is critical. Training and interface design thus become increasingly important to ensure that MUM-T can be used effectively and safely.

Risks

The potential risks associated with Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) technology are multifaceted, encompassing technological, operational, and human challenges. Here are some of the key risks identified in the provided sources:

1. Human Factors and Cognitive Overload: One of the primary risks associated with MUM-T technology is the increased cognitive load on human operators. It has highlighted issues such as visual overload, increased workload, task saturation, distraction, decreased 'flying' situational awareness (S.A.), and motion sickness as potential problems for pilots operating in MUM-T mode.?The processing of conflicting sensory information, particularly between aerial platform motion cues and unmanned aircraft (U.A.) orientation, could also increase the risk of Spatial Disorientation (S.D.), a significant concern for pilot safety.
2. Technological Integration and Interoperability: Integrating MUM-T technology across various platforms can be challenging due to different standards and compatibility issues. Ensuring seamless communication and data transfer between manned and unmanned systems is critical for effective operations. The need for increased bandwidth, quality, and data security in technologies that enable interoperability, such as radios and data links, is a significant challenge.
3. Data Security and Cybersecurity Threats: With MUM-T systems relying heavily on wireless communication systems, there is an inherent risk of data breaches and hacking. Ensuring the security of data links and communication channels is crucial to prevent adversaries from intercepting or manipulating information, which could have severe consequences for mission success and operator safety.
4. Autonomy and Control: As MUM-T systems become more autonomous, there is a risk that human operators may become overwhelmed with information and decision-making responsibilities. Advances in A.I. should permit uncrewed team elements to perform a significant portion of their missions autonomously. However, this also raises concerns about the level of human intervention required and the potential for loss of control over unmanned assets.
5. Operational Risks: The operational deployment of MUM-T involves coordinating complex actions between manned and unmanned systems, which can introduce risks related to timing, positioning, and task execution. There is also the potential for fratricide or unintended engagements, especially as systems become more autonomous and capable of independent target engagement.
6. Technological Reliability: The reliability of the technology underpinning MUM-T operations is critical. Failures in communication systems, sensors, or autonomous functions could lead to mission failure or unintended consequences, including collateral damage or loss of life.
7. Adversarial Countermeasures: There is a risk that adversaries may develop electronic support measures to disrupt the electronic components of MUM-T systems, such as jamming or spoofing signals. These measures could render the systems ineffective or even turn them against friendly forces.

In summary, while MUM-T technology offers significant operational capabilities and efficiency advantages, it also introduces a range of risks that must be carefully managed. Addressing these risks requires ongoing research, development, and training to ensure that MUM-T systems are used effectively and safely.

Civilian Applications

Manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technology, while primarily developed for military applications, has significant potential in various civilian sectors.?

Here are some of the non-military applications of MUM-T technology as highlighted in the sources:

1. Search and Rescue Operations: MUM-T can significantly enhance the effectiveness of search and rescue missions. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be deployed to scan large areas, providing real-time data and imagery to manned units. This integration allows for a more coordinated and efficient response, especially in challenging or hazardous environments.
2. Firefighting: In firefighting, MUM-T can be used to send drones into high-risk areas to assess the situation without putting human lives at risk. Drones equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technologies can identify hotspots, track the spread of fire, and monitor the environment, providing valuable information to firefighters and helping them strategise their approach more effectively.
3. Maritime Surveillance and Border Protection: MUM-T can also be applied in maritime and border protection missions. Unmanned systems can perform continuous monitoring and patrolling tasks, while manned units can intervene when necessary. This teaming enhances coverage and operational capability, making managing large maritime and border areas easier.
4. Hazardous Material Incidents (Hazmat): In incidents involving hazardous materials, MUM-T can be utilised to send unmanned systems into dangerous zones to gather information or even handle materials, thus minimising the risk to human responders. This application is particularly valuable in scenarios where the environment is too toxic or unstable for humans.
5. Law Enforcement: In law enforcement, MUM-T can be used for surveillance, crowd monitoring, and tactical operations, where real-time aerial imagery can provide a strategic advantage without exposing officers to direct danger. Drones can offer a bird' s-eye view of a situation, helping plan and execute law enforcement operations more safely and effectively.

These applications demonstrate the versatility of MUM-T technology beyond military uses, offering significant benefits in terms of safety, efficiency, and operational capability in various civilian sectors.

Future Potential and Opportunities

The global Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) market was valued at USD 3.83 billion in 2023. It is anticipated to grow significantly, reaching an estimated market size of USD 12.24 billion by 2032. This growth represents a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 13.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032.

What are the significant drivers of growth in the MUM-T market?

The major drivers of growth in the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) market include:

1. Technological Advancements: The advent of technology has changed the warfare scenario globally, with countries focusing on adopting autonomous warfare platforms such as UAVs and unmanned underwater vehicles for use in war.?Technological innovations in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced sensor systems are driving the development and integration of MUM-T capabilities.
2. Increased Operational Capabilities: MUM-T enhances operational capabilities by providing superior situational awareness, increased lethality, and enhanced survivability. This is particularly relevant in military contexts where the coordination between manned and unmanned systems can lead to more effective and efficient operations.
3. Counter-Terrorism and Surveillance Operations: Drones are increasingly being adopted for counter-terrorism activities and are gaining high significance due to their visual capabilities. They are also widely used in surveillance operations to eliminate threats, contributing to the MUM-T market's growth.
4. Global Security Concerns: The need for advanced security solutions to address complex threat scenarios is driving the integration of MUM-T technologies. This is evident in military and civilian applications, such as border protection and public infrastructure security.
5. Defense Budget Increases: The rise in defence budgets, particularly in regions like North America, contributes to the MUM-T market's growth. Increased funding allows for the procurement of advanced MUM-T systems and the research and development of new technologies.
6. Commercial Applications: The demand for MUM-T in non-military applications, such as emergency medical logistics, agriculture, and urban air mobility, is also a significant driver of market growth. The versatility of MUM-T systems in various civilian sectors opens up new opportunities and contributes to market expansion.
7. Global Military Investments: Conflicts such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine have led to significant military investments and an increased supply of UAVs on the battlefield, which in turn drives the market growth for MUM-T technologies.

These drivers collectively contribute to the robust growth potential of the MUM-T market as they address the needs of modern warfare and security and the expanding applications in civilian domains.

Major Players in the MUM-T marketplace.

The major players in the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) market include:

• Airbus
• BAE Systems
• Lockheed Martin
• Grey Dynamics
• Leidos Company
• Swarming Technologies and Solutions
• Leonardo Helicopters
• General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
• L3 Technologies
• Qinetiq
• Bell
• Korea Aerospace Industries.

These companies are key contributors to developing and deploying MUM-T technologies across various domains, including air, land, and maritime.

Conclusion

Manned-unmanned teaming is at a pivotal point in its development. Its potential applications are vast and varied, as it can significantly enhance the capabilities of manned platforms and reduce risks.?

However, the path forward involves navigating complex challenges, particularly technology integration, security, and human factors. As we continue to advance in our technological capabilities, the strategic implementation of MUM-T will likely become a cornerstone of both the defence and civilian sectors. The ongoing research, development, and testing will be crucial in overcoming limitations and unlocking this technology's full potential.