Drones, early warning, and the limits of STOVL tankers

Which STOVL aviation developments could shape the future of carriers or let more navies field full-spectrum air groups?

Uncrewed early-warning aircraft can broaden the air group and reduce demands on helicopters, but tanker weight remains a substantial limitation.

Airborne early warning and aerial refuelling are constraints on giving STOVL carriers a fuller air group. Medium-altitude, long-endurance drones are proposed for early warning, and the Royal Navy's Vixen programme is identified as a route away from relying on Merlin helicopters. Crowsnest duties are putting pressure on Merlin availability because too few helicopters are available for the mission. Uncrewed aircraft can take over some support tasks, but a tanker still needs to lift enough fuel to make the mission worthwhile. That weight requirement makes tanking the harder problem.