Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) Requirements Assessment

Book excerpt: World events since late last year have led to a discussion about whether we are currently shifting from the familiar post-Cold War era of the last 20 to 25 years to a new and different strategic area characterized by, among other things, renewed great power competition. The shift from the Cold War to the post-Cold War era led to a reassessment of assumptions and frameworks of analysis regarding defense funding levels, strategy and missions that resulted in numerous changes in U.S. defense plans and programs while leaving other programs unchanged. A shift from the post-Cold War era to a new strategic era could lead to another such reassessment. Current requirements for the UCLASS program reflect analyses that were done between 2009 and 2011 and then updated and revalidated from 2012 through April 2013. This activity predates the events starting in late 2013 that have led to the discussion over the possible shift in strategic eras.