Hi Tech Warefare Flashcards
Smart Bombs (First Gulf War)
Definition & Guidance: Precision-guided munitions, often laser-guided.
Limitations: Susceptible to smoke, dust, and weather conditions, which could disrupt laser guidance.
Prevalence: Only 9% of bombs dropped were smart bombs, showing the continued importance of conventional weapons.
Context: Despite their limitations, smart bombs showcased the potential of precision-guided munitions and influenced future weapons development.
Modern High-Tech Warfare
Core Components: Computerized and technical weapons, including night vision, advanced electronics, and state-of-the-art weaponry.
Unmanned Systems: Includes drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles - UAVs) armed with high-resolution cameras and extremely accurate missiles, controlled remotely.
Examples: JDAM, JSOW, HPM (detailed on subsequent cards).
JDAM
JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition): All-weather, GPS-guided bomb, overcoming limitations of laser guidance.
JSOW
JSOW (Joint Standoff Weapon): “Launch and leave” missile, fired from a safe distance (up to 40 miles), capable of mid-flight redirection.
HPM
HPM (High Powered Microwave): Weapon emitting powerful microwaves that disable electronic systems within a certain radius (1,000 feet).
Impact and Limitations of High-Tech Warfare
Impact: Increased precision, potential for reduced civilian casualties (though debated), greater standoff distances.
Limitations: Despite advancements, reliance on conventional weapons and ground troops remains crucial, especially in complex conflicts (as seen in Iraq and Afghanistan). Doesn’t guarantee victory against a determined enemy. High-tech can be countered with low-tech tactics.
Describe the types of advanced technology used by Coalition forces in the War on Terror (specifically in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan) and explain their purposes.
Coalition forces utilized high-tech weaponry and vehicles, including:
Laser-guided missiles: For precise surgical airstrikes, minimizing collateral damage.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs/Drones): To reduce the need for soldiers in combat zones, used for reconnaissance, transport, and combat operations.
Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs): For reconnaissance, transport, combat, and identifying/disabling explosive devices (IEDs and mines).
Explain the difference between Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and list their shared functions and a unique function for each.
UAVs (Drones): Aircraft operated remotely or autonomously.
UGVs: Ground-based vehicles operated remotely or autonomously.
Shared Functions: Both are used for reconnaissance, transporting supplies, and combat operations.
Unique Functions: UAVs operate in the air, while UGVs are specifically used for identifying and disabling explosive devices like IEDs and mines.
What were the primary reasons for using UGVs in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq? How did the Taliban’s tactics and the terrain contribute to this need?
The main reason was to prevent troop deaths and injuries, reducing casualties in combat zones. The Taliban’s lack of uniforms and the difficult, mountainous terrain made conventional military tactics ineffective and increased risks to soldiers. UGVs helped mitigate these risks.
Name 3 UGVs and their purposes.
Packbot: Used to enter dangerous areas like caves and tunnels ahead of soldiers, locate threats, search for hidden weapons or booby traps, and declare areas safe, minimizing risks to personnel.
Talon: Primarily used to identify and dispose of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices), particularly roadside bombs. It also performed reconnaissance and surveillance, providing real-time video feeds, navigating difficult terrain, and identifying potential enemy targets.
Gladiator: A combat-equipped UGV with machine guns, grenade launchers, and other weapons, providing cover fire and engaging enemy targets.
What are UAVs (drones) and how have they changed modern conflicts compared to traditional piloted aircraft?
Unmanned aircraft impacting modern warfare.
Eliminate pilot risk.
Offer persistent surveillance.
Deliver supplies.
Conduct precision strikes.
Example: Reaper drone:
20+ hour loitering capability.
Escorting ground convoys.
Providing aerial security.
Surveillance to protect from enemy attacks.
Resupply missions (delivering supplies).
Continuous high-resolution surveillance.
Invaluable in Afghanistan for monitoring, trailing, and identifying targets.
Similar to earlier pilotless weapons (V1 & V2 rockets).
Describe the evolution of bombing techniques from “carpet bombing” to “surgical airstrikes.” What factors drove this change, and what are the key differences between the two approaches?
Carpet Bombing:
Unguided bombs over large areas.
Widespread destruction.
High civilian casualties.
Deemed a war crime.
Surgical Airstrikes:
Precision-guided munitions.
Target specific objectives.
Minimize collateral damage.
Driving Factors:
Technological advancements.
Desire to reduce civilian casualties.
Explain the concept of “surgical airstrikes” and their objectives. How has technology influenced their accuracy, and what are some of the criticisms surrounding their use?
Aim to hit specific targets.
Minimize collateral damage.
Remove terrorist targets.
“Win hearts and minds.”
Technology Enhancements:
Laser-guided bombs.
GPS-guided munitions.
Criticisms:
Civilian casualties (especially in Pakistan).
“PlayStation mentality” of drone operators.
Describe surgical airstrikes in Baghdad (2003). What was the intended outcome, actual results, and what limitations are illustrated?
Intended Outcome:
Cripple Iraqi government.
Minimize civilian casualties.
Actual Results:
Government buildings/military targets struck.
Civilian deaths reported.
Limitations Illustrated:
Even with precision, completely avoiding civilian casualties is extremely difficult.
