Air defence still demands close human judgment

Strike missions already demonstrate a relatively direct path to uncrewed aircraft, but air defence requires difficult identification and engagement decisions. A maritime patrol aircraft may use an airliner-derived airframe, forcing an interceptor to approach closely and judge whether the contact is civilian or hostile. Camera links can inform that judgment but may not inspire confidence equal to a pilot's direct view at the decisive moment. Because a mistaken decision could kill hundreds of civilians, optionally crewed fighters are likely to persist in this role.