Unmanned Aircraft Systems Additional Actions Needed To Improve Management And Integration Of Dod Efforts To Support Warfighter Needs

The DoD¿s use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) continues to increase. In 2000, DoD components had fewer than 50 unmanned aircraft in their inventory. By May 2008, they had more than 6,000. However, DoD faces challenges, such as UAS acquisition and the integration of UAS into joint combat operations. A series of recommendations has been made to address challenges, including the need for a UAS strategic plan. This report: (1) identifies key DoD efforts to improve the management and operational use of UAS; and (2) assess the extent to which these efforts constitute an overarching organizational framework to guide and oversee UAS efforts. Illustrations.