A drone proposal needs to specify the role and identify suitable aircraft actually in production. Range must fit the intended carrier mission. Buying six drones does little if the requirement is closer to 60 or 120. Uncrewed aircraft still require maintenance, so procurement must allow for unavailable airframes. Designs replacing demanding crewed-aircraft roles can cost nearly as much as the crewed aircraft they would replace.
Notable Point · 3:02:43-3:03:37
Carrier drones need numbers, maintenance and suitable range
Drone procurement needs defined missions, suitable production aircraft and enough airframes to sustain operations.