“Essential Requirements for a Multi-Domain UAV in Mountainous Terrain”
The UAV Workshop, conducted from September 16–19, 2024, was a pivotal step toward defining a detailed requirements profile for a UAV specifically designed to meet the unique operational needs of mountain troops. The objective of the workshop was to depict possible scenarios for the use of UAV in mountainous environment in order to derive tactics, techniques and procedures and convey requirements to industry partners, contributing to the development of a Class I UAV with a maximum take-off weight of 9 kilograms that aligns with the demands of future military operations in mountainous and challenging environments.
Key Operational Requirements
The workshop identified several minimum performance requirements to ensure the UAV’s reliability and effectiveness in diverse and demanding conditions. A primary consideration was the system’s range, which must cover a minimum distance of 1 to 2 kilometers, combined with a minimum flight duration of 20 minutes. These specifications were designed to support reconnaissance and surveillance missions over a tactical area without compromising flight stability or mission duration.
Given the harsh conditions in which mountain troops operate, the UAV’s environmental resilience was another critical focus. The system must function effectively within a broad temperature range of -40°C to 40°C and be capable of sustained operations in adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, snowfall, and wind speeds of up to 35 km/h. These parameters were established as minimum thresholds, reflecting the challenging environments in which mountain troops routinely perform their duties.
Although no specific weight requirements for the payload were defined, there was a clear focus on expected system capabilities. To support a variety of mission types, the UAV must include a combination of a day-vision camera and an infrared sensor, ensuring round-the-clock operational capability. This dual capability would allow troops to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance missions seamlessly, regardless of lighting or weather conditions.
Another key requirement was ease of operational deployment. The system should allow a trained operator to configure mission-specific modules for target reconnaissance, surveillance, electromagnetic intelligence gathering, or kinetic effect deployment. Ideally, this setup should be completed within 30 minutes and without the need for specialized tools. This rapid configuration capability is crucial to maintaining operational flexibility and minimizing downtime during missions.
System Integration and Future Compatibility
The workshop also emphasized the importance of compatibility / interoperability with both existing and future military systems. The UAV must integrate seamlessly with various battle management systems already in use by the armed forces. Additionally, the companies must ensure that the software architecture and overall system design allow for the installation of future applications developed by the military or third-party providers. This adaptability is vital to extend the system’s operational lifespan and ensure that it remains relevant in an evolving technological landscape.
Multi-Role Capability
A defining requirement of the UAV is its multi-role capability, enabling mountain troops to execute a wide range of tasks using a single, versatile platform. This feature is essential for addressing the diverse challenges faced by mountain troops, from reconnaissance and surveillance to target identification and threat neutralization. By consolidating multiple functions into one system, the UAV enhances operational efficiency while reducing logistical complexity and the need for multiple specialized systems.
Strategic Implications
The establishment of these requirements reflects a strategic commitment to equipping mountain troops with cutting-edge technology tailored to their specific operational contexts. The combination of environmental resilience, ease of deployment, multi-role functionality, and system integration ensures that the future Class I UAV will not only meet but exceed the challenges of modern military engagements in mountainous regions.
By providing the defense industry with a clear and detailed requirements profile, the workshop has set the stage for the development of a next-generation UAV system that will enhance the effectiveness, flexibility, and adaptability of mountain troops in the field. The outcome of this initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between military stakeholders and industry partners in shaping the future of tactical unmanned systems.
The NATO Mountain Warfare Centre of Excellence (MW COE) will continue its efforts to support civilian companies in developing UAVs that meet the requirements for use in mountainous environments. Additionally, it aims to keep the community of interest informed about the latest advancements to better prepare for the challenges of future warfare.
As part of these efforts, the NATO MW COE will host its next workshop on risk management in winter, with a focus on new technology (UAVs), from 17 March to 21 March 2025. (https://www.mwcoe.org/event/mountain-risk-management-workshop-winter-including-using-of-uav-in-mountainous-terrain/)
