YeşilVatan
Contributor
Ever since I learned about the conops regarding MALD and similar things, I'm pretty convinced that those will be very influential in air warfare. After all, all warfare is deception. If we have a device that can successfully mimic F-16 signature, it would be a huge asset. Just think about it, release a few from an Akıncı, and you have a phantom squadron appearing on the map that forces the enemy to react. If they are smaller, it gets much more complicated for the enemy. Now think about having hundreds of them... This has very serious implications both with regards to SEAD/DEAD and air-to-air operations.In fact, the MALD system is one of the pioneering systems that gave birth to the loyal-wingman concept, as it enables the fighter jet in question to penetrate air defenses while on a safe course, and by jamming or decepting the enemy air defense system directly from another source, and give opportunity to engage TEL vehicles and radars at almost maximum range of its munitions carried.
This is just one of the capabilities that can be created by higly maneuverable drones that can be carried under the wing in accordance with the super lightning type loyal wingman profile. It's an open-ended field of study.
I wonder how feasible is it to transport those to the theater via a cheaper alternative, and how viable is it to make that alternative stealth... In other words, can we see loyal wingmen/decoy UAVs deployed from internal bays. It would require a bomber aircraft most likely.