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PDF THINK TANK: CONSULTANT
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depends upon a few factors.Sir, in the long run I envisage attack helis + drones to bear the brunt of that role. Surgical strikes can be used against hardened targets of high value (command centres, silos, ammunition dumps, critical infrastructure, etc.) but in a face off with militants it is much more feasible for commanders to order a drone or heli strike. My understanding is that drones can carry exactly the same JDAMs as aircraft.
1. service ceiling of drone or gunship in mountains can be restrictive.
2. Infantry formations are mostly protected by Manpads and AAA guns which can have altitude and range constraints against aircrafts.
Regarding militants, Helis can not only stay for long in area supporting troops but they also carry 2-3 different types of weapons. Even if it fires away all the missiles and rockets, it still has 20mm cannon which is effective against personnel. UCAV can stay in area for long also but doesnt carry a variety of weapons like Gunship.