[Phlyer]

The released a swarm of unarmed drones from F/A-18s last year. The drones immediately formed up and converged on the target.

Yep. And then did what? How big was the payload, and at what range was it delivered? What was the cost of the swarm of UAVs versus the cost of an AIM-120? What sensors did they have - or was it a 'stunt' with 'dumb' UAVs that flew simple, predictable courses that would allow them to be shot down by a kid with a BB gun?

This thread was started by those who say that there is no need for/not much value for an F-35. Can we build UAVs that do things like 'swarm' (autonomous formation flying to a predetermined - no sensors required - target)? Sure. But the math doesn't show those one-way platforms to be more cost-effective than a reusable (meaning, survivable) delivery vehicle that gets to within AIM-120/JDAM range.

[SJSAMPLE]

I’m not sure why you’re comparing an air-to-air missile with air-to-ground or recon/surveillance drones?

As a technology demonstrator, they demonstrated that the drones could be deployed and organized. Upon release, they swarmed the target in a circular fashion (like Injuns circling a wagon train).

Of course, the “risk” to the F/A-18 mitigates the benefit of the drones, but we’ve seen other delivery systems (MLRS, ATACMS, etc.) capable of delivering similar submunitions in a very cost-effective manner.

I don’t think a drone swarm will replace high-performance aircraft, but their potential is undeniable.