A drone able to reach 1,000 km from a ship is expected here to cost at least as much as a missile with the same reach. Cheap drones benefit from limited requirements. Added capability and hardening raise costs, which can reduce purchase quantities. That leaves room for a cheaper newcomer whose own requirements can later grow. The result is different drone tiers alongside cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons and crewed aircraft.
Notable Point · 4:15:33-4:16:40
Drone capability growth and rising costs
Longer range, hardening and added tasks can push drones into familiar weapon-programme cost pressures.