In air to air combat, there is a concept called a "Trade." Essentially, you place yourself in a guaranteed to die circumstance to ensure the death of the enemy. A lot of BVR air combat is a giant game of chicken. Who will stay hot longer to get the better missile shot. Who will push closer to the edge of the minimum abort range. Drones make this a much more favorable proposition.
Trade a low cost drone for a pilot and a fighter? That's an absolute win. Although now we have beyond the horizon air breathing A/A missiles as well as satellite and AWACS based datalink guidance. I would not want to be a fighter pilot in a modern war. It's a bit like being a blind person in a room full of industrial fans.
Trade a low cost drone for a pilot and a fighter? That's an absolute win. Although now we have beyond the horizon air breathing A/A missiles as well as satellite and AWACS based datalink guidance. I would not want to be a fighter pilot in a modern war. It's a bit like being a blind person in a room full of industrial fans.