When we think of the great naval powers, one of the first images that comes to mind is aircraft carriers. These colosses of the sea, a symbol of military power, represent one of the most valuable strategic tools of any modern naval force.
However, their construction and operation are reserved for a select club of nations due to the enormous costs associated, both for the ship itself and for the aircraft it carries. But what if more conventional ships could perform more or less similar functions thanks to drones? This scenario, which until recently seemed unlikely, is beginning to become a reality.
Aircraft carriers are not only extremely expensive to build, but they also require significant support infrastructure. From fighter jets to defense systems, to a highly specialized crew, the cost of maintaining these units is measured in billions of dollars per year. This limits their access to a few nations such as the United States, China, Russia, France and the United Kingdom.
But beyond cost, aircraft carriers face strategic challenges. Their size makes them visible and vulnerable targets, even with advanced defense systems. As threats from hypersonic missiles and other technologies emerge, the world's navies are looking for more flexible and affordable ways to project air power at sea.
Drones: The "Poor Man's" Aircraft
In this context, drones are marking a fundamental shift. What began as a relatively simple and affordable technology for reconnaissance and surveillance tasks has evolved into a much more advanced realm. Modern military drones, such as the Mojave drone, have capabilities that for some missions can rival some manned aircraft.
The Mojave, for example, can fly for 25 hours, reach speeds of 140 knots and carry up to 1,500 kg of weaponry, including up to 16 missiles. But most impressive is its ability to take off and land on short runways. This means it doesn't require the large runways and catapults typically found on a traditional aircraft carrier.
Not long ago, in South Korea, successful tests were conducted in which a Mojave drone took off and landed from a conventional ship. The drone was operated from land, demonstrating the viability of this type of operation. This development has profound implications for navies around the world.
A video can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/LVR_EioIM8c
Conventional ships as aerial platforms
Many navies possess intermediate-sized ships that, until now, were primarily dedicated to logistics, patrol or support functions. These vessels, thanks to relatively simple modifications such as the installation of a landing deck, could be transformed into platforms capable of operating drones. This would give these units advanced aerial capabilities without the need to acquire aircraft carriers or manned aircraft.
Countries such as Turkey, Spain, Australia and South Korea are already exploring these possibilities. For example, Turkey has equipped its TCG Anadolu ship with the ability to operate drones, while Australia has shown interest in similar systems for its amphibious ships.
This approach represents a democratization of naval air power. While an aircraft carrier requires an initial investment that can exceed $10 billion, a conventional ship adapted for drones is a fraction of that cost. Moreover, drones themselves are cheaper than manned aircraft and do not put human lives at risk during operations.
Using drones from conventional ships is not just a matter of cost savings. It also offers significant tactical advantages.
. Greater operational flexibility: Drones can perform a wide range of missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to precision strikes. In addition, they can change their payload depending on the operational need.
. Lower human risk: Being unmanned vehicles, they eliminate the risk for pilots in dangerous missions.
. Cost reduction: Drones have significantly lower operating costs than manned aircraft.
. Power projection: They allow even smaller navies the ability to operate in international waters with extended air range.
. Technological evolution: Advances in artificial intelligence and autonomy promise that drones will become even more effective in the future.
The development of drones for naval operations is just beginning. In addition to the Mojave, there are other models in development that seek to maximize autonomy and payload capacity. Designs are also being explored that allow drones to operate in swarms, coordinating with each other to maximize their effectiveness in combat or reconnaissance.
As these technologies mature, we are likely to see a shift in global naval strategy. Navies will no longer rely exclusively on aircraft carriers for air power at sea. Instead, a combination of conventional ships and drones could offer a more economical, versatile solution tailored to the needs of the 21st century.
The future of naval operations is changing, and drones are at the center of this transformation. What once seemed exclusive to great powers is now within reach of a far greater number of nations. This not only democratises access to air power, but also redefines what it means to be a naval power in the 21st century.
Aircraft carriers will continue to be key strategic tools for great powers, but with the arrival of increasingly capable drones and the adaptation of conventional ships, the rules of the game are changing. The ocean, always unpredictable and vast, will now be patrolled by a new generation of technologies that are redefining the boundaries of what is possible.
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