"UAVs have become such an important tool for our decision makers -- operational battlefield decision makers and strategic decision makers. They have become an accepted part of our inventory. We have for years used them to test missile defense systems and air defense systems. We've used them for a variety of single-mission approaches.

"The advantage of the near-real-time or real-time information is that you can produce essential decision-quality data for commanders on the spot. We're dealing in tenths of seconds, as opposed to minutes, hours or days in some cases.

"There has really been a growth in the understanding of what you can use a UAV for, both tactically on the battlefield and strategically. As we have seen the proliferation of miniaturization and the quality of the technology, you find battlefield commanders want more. We're beginning to collaborate much more on our integration and use of information that comes from these systems.

"A lot of forward-thinking engineers are looking at the problems we need to solve in the next 15 years and trying to decide the best way to meet those with an unmanned vehicle. There is a real need for an ability to monitor the volume of shipping that goes on around the world, to ensure that we don't have so-called rogue states moving potential weapons of mass destruction over sea into a port."

American Forces Press Service reported on July 26 that Predator and Global Hawk UAVs carry cameras, sensors and communications equipment. The Pentagon's use of UAVs grew rapidly after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

In 2005, the Department of Defense established the UAV Center of Excellence at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, to adapt technology and determine how to make systems more efficient and effective. The UAV Center of Excellence works to set uniform standards that meet needs defined by all branches of the military.

Related Links
UAV Technology at SpaceWar.com