Key Themes Shaping the Future of Uncrewed Drone Systems

By Mickey Miller, CEO, Vislink

As we continue to see the rapid growth of the uncrewed systems industry, several key themes have emerged in my conversations with leaders across the field. These themes shape the direction we're headed in as a company and as an industry, and they underscore the need for robust communications systems to support the scaling of uncrewed technology. From defense to commercial applications, the future of uncrewed systems hinges on our ability to integrate them into broader ecosystems effectively.

Advancing Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Regulations

One of the most significant themes we are watching closely is the advancement of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) regulations. This development is critical for applications such as border patrol and law enforcement, where drones need to operate over long distances or in cluttered environments. Without a strong regulatory framework, the promise of drones for remote operations will also remain out of reach. As these regulations evolve, our communications systems will play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and safety of these missions.

The Role of Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Drone Operations

Another exciting area is the rapid development of advanced autonomy and artificial intelligence (AI). Autonomy is not just about reducing human intervention; it's about enabling drones to take on complex missions that would otherwise put lives at risk. Whether it's autonomous resupply or swarming capabilities for defense applications, we're seeing a shift toward drones that can make real-time decisions in dynamic environments. This shift is already driving the development of sophisticated communication systems that support high-endurance, AI-driven operations.

Drones as Mobile Infrastructure: A Growing Role in Operational Ecosystems

The conversation around drones as infrastructure is also gaining momentum. Drones are no longer just tools for surveillance or tactical missions; they are becoming critical components of larger operational ecosystems. In both military and commercial sectors, drones will soon act as mobile infrastructure, capable of supporting various missions from remote locations. Drones located throughout an area may support applications from transportation management to emergency response. Communications technology must keep pace with these demands, ensuring seamless control and real-time data streaming, even in challenging environments.

The Crucial Role of Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) Systems

Finally, the development of robust UTM (Uncrewed Traffic Management) systems is vital. As UTM systems evolve, they will enable the safe and efficient integration of uncrewed aircraft with manned systems across national and global airspaces. This requires standardized communications protocols and a secure, real-time flow of information between operators and regulators.

At Vislink, we're watching these developments closely, while we're working to create the communications solutions that will enable uncrewed systems to protect life and operate at scale. This is an exciting time for the industry, and I look forward to sharing more insights as we continue to innovate and push boundaries.