Classification and Specification of Communication Network Requirements for AAVs in Military Applications

This work analyzes the communication and network requirements for autonomous aerial vehicles (AAVs) in military applications, addressing challenges and considerations that differ markedly from those of civilian applications. By mapping the requirements of different classes of military operations, this article proposes a classification system for AAVs based on their communication and network attributes, which enables a deeper understanding of each operational class’s specific needs and capabilities. Our results highlight the importance of reliable and secure communication for AAVs in military operations, emphasizing the need for high availability, low latency, and high bandwidth for command and control links and robustness against cyber threats. The payload link, responsible for transmitting sensor data and images, requires greater bandwidth and confidentiality measures. The mapping of requirements facilitates mission customization, operational flexibility, interoperability, and regulatory compliance. This optimization enhances the utilization of AAVs in military environments, improving operational efficiency and safety while adhering to regulatory standards. In response to the identified gap in comprehensive features for effective mission planning and communication network optimization across various domains, this research proposes a viable alternative solution. Furthermore, the study identifies open research questions and future directions for military applications, such as technological advancements, security testing, simulation, and data collection for performance evaluation.