Frigates and destroyers would likely combine crewed anti-submarine helicopters with rotary drones, while carriers add long-range uncrewed strike aircraft. Crewed fighters would remain important for air defense because peacetime and gray-zone contacts are not always clear. A maritime patrol aircraft can resemble the airliner from which it was derived, making visual identification important before an engagement. The Sea Harrier illustrates how carrier fighters serve political control and escalation management as well as wartime combat.
Notable Point · 1:06:21-1:08:23
Why drone-heavy fleets still need crewed interceptors
Drones can take on strike and support roles, but gray-zone interception still benefits from a pilot who can visually identify an ambiguous aircraft before weapons are used.