BLUF
As autonomous systems become cheaper and easier to replace, preserving capability may depend less on protecting every platform and more on rapid adaptation, regeneration and resilient production. Crews remain harder to replace than equipment.Learning Outcomes
Technology & Innovation: Develop an awareness of how technology and innovation can contribute to capability. The article examines how autonomous systems, electronic warfare, software, regeneration and distributed manufacturing could change the way capability is generated and sustained.
Military Management: Develop an awareness of technology, innovation, trends and future development. The article highlights the management implications of balancing protection against cost, production capacity, operational tempo, adaptability and endurance.
Communication & Cognition: Develop an awareness of how critical thinking supports informed judgement. The article challenges the established assumption that protecting individual platforms is always the best way to preserve combat power, encouraging readers to reconsider force-design decisions.
