June 13, 2016

The Promise of Unmanned Systems in the Asia Pacific

In this paper, CNAS Associate Fellow Kelley Sayler analyzes the proliferation of unmanned systems—particularly UAVs—within the framework of the increasingly contentious issue of area-denial/anti-access weapon systems in the Asia-Pacific generally, and in China’s near-abroad specifically. Contending that current UAV platforms are inadequate against well-equipped militaries (as opposed to nonstate actors), Sayler overviews development programs and emerging technologies that would benefit the United States both as standalone elements, and as a means to enhance legacy systems for the changing threat environment. Sayler concludes that current restrictions on exports of armed and/or stealthy UAVs degrade the capacity of even trusted allies to share the burden of wartime ISR capability in the Asia-Pacific and thus simplifies potential enemies’ targeting calculus.

Author

  • Kelley Sayler

    Former Fellow, Defense Strategies and Assessments Program

    Kelley Sayler is a former Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), where she worked with the Defense Strategies and Assessments Program and the Future of Warfa...

  • Reports
    • May 15, 2025
    Democracy in South Asia amid U.S. Aid Cuts

    The practice of democratic governance and the increased number of people across the world participating in national elections are positive trends that will help ensure governm...

    By Lisa Curtis, Kareen Hart & Keerthi Martyn

  • Podcast
    • May 15, 2025
    Lessons from the U.S.-China Trade War

    America and China have agreed to a 90-day truce of their month-long trade war, but the economic uncertainty has not yet ended. Beyond tariffs, the spat had begun spilling over...

    By Edward Fishman

  • Video
    • May 14, 2025
    Why China’s Amphibious ‘Invasion Platforms’ Are Troubling Sign for Taiwan

    Beijing’s new ships can land on beaches and link to form massive mobile piers. Analysts, including Tom Shugart from Center for a New American Security, say they’re intended to...

    By Tom Shugart

  • Commentary
    • Foreign Affairs
    • May 13, 2025
    How America Can Keep the Peace Between India and Pakistan

    The only way Washington can play the role of honest broker during times of crisis between India and Pakistan is if it maintains ties to both....

    By Lisa Curtis

View All Reports View All Articles & Multimedia