New Podcast! Space and Air Supremacy: The Role of Drones in Modern Warfare
In the ever-evolving landscape of warfare, technology is reshaping the battlefield. Drones and space warfare are no longer just elements of science fiction; they are realities transforming military strategy. In a recent episode of the IoT Connect Podcast, experts Mariano Long and General Tom Sharpy discussed how these technologies are revolutionizing how battles are fought and won.
Drones on the Battlefield
The conversation began with an insight into the impressive backgrounds of the guests, both of whom have extensive military experience. Mariano Long and General Sharpy elaborated on their first encounters with drones, with General Sharpy recounting his amazement at how drones evolved from simple intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms to sophisticated tools capable of kinetic and non-kinetic effects. Mariano shared his initial exposure to unmanned aerial systems (UAS) during his time at the United States Air Force Academy and onward.
Redefining Warfare
As drones have become increasingly integrated into military operations, their role in redefining air superiority and battlefield intelligence has grown significantly. General Sharpy stressed the physical limitations of human pilots compared to drones that can persist in the air for extended periods without the need for rest, food, or other physiological needs. The persistent and inexpensive nature of drones, as noted by General Alvin of the U.S. Air Force, exemplifies their strategic advantage.
In addition to extending battlefield presence, drones have democratized warfare, allowing even small entities to wield significant power. Mariano pointed out how low-cost drones operated by young individuals can disrupt traditional warfare dynamics, as illustrated by recent conflicts in Ukraine and other regions.
Space: The New Frontier
The discussion also turned to space warfare, with Mariano explaining the work his company, Portal Space Systems, is doing in developing next-generation space vehicles. These spacecraft promise unprecedented maneuverability for both commercial and Department of Defense (DoD) applications. Space superiority is becoming as crucial as air and ground dominance, as battles are now being fought in this new domain.
The Challenge of Drone Proliferation
A critical concern raised during the podcast was the proliferation of drone technology and its potential to fall into the wrong hands. General Sharpy acknowledged the challenges in preventing unauthorized use of drone technology and the difficulties in establishing effective countermeasures. The strategic threat posed by adversarial nations leveraging drones and UAS platforms was a recurrent theme.
The Role of Cybersecurity
Both guests noted that with the advancement of drone and space technology, cybersecurity is paramount. The risk of critical data and systems being compromised by adversaries is greater than ever. Mariano emphasized the importance of cyber protections in both commercial and military domains, highlighting the significant investments made to safeguard digital infrastructures.
The Future of Military Robotics
Looking ahead, the podcast touched upon the possibility of unmanned systems completely replacing manned aircraft. While such a scenario remains speculative, both guests agreed that advancements in AI and robotics are advancing rapidly, suggesting an uncertain yet exciting future.
Policy and Public Perception
In their closing remarks, Mariano and General Sharpy provided insights for policymakers and the public. They stressed the need for regulatory frameworks that can keep pace with technological developments, ensuring that innovation does not outstrip ethical and legal frameworks.
The IoT Connect Podcast episode with Mariano Long and General Tom Sharpy offered a comprehensive glimpse into the evolving world of military drones and space technology. As warfare continues to shift, the integration of drones and space capabilities will likely play an increasingly central role. The discussion underscored the importance of staying ahead technologically while maintaining robust ethical and security measures to navigate this new era of warfare responsibly.
About Our Guests:
Lieutenant General Thomas J. Sharpy (Ret.) brings over 39 years of distinguished leadership in the U.S. Air Force and NATO, culminating as a senior executive at Allied Command Transformation, where he shaped strategic and operational capabilities for 30 nations. A seasoned commander and strategic planner, he led multinational organizations of up to 100,000 personnel, managed $15B annual budgets, and directed global operations in crisis zones. A command pilot with 4,000+ hours, Sharpy also held key HR and innovation roles and served as Senior Military Aide to Vice President Cheney during 9/11. Post-retirement, he leads Sharpy Group LLC, advises major defense organizations, and currently serves as VP of Defense Programs at Portal Space Systems.
Mariano Long is the Director of Defense at Portal Space Systems, where he leverages a deep foundation in space operations and national defense. A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy—affectionately known as that small engineering school at the base of the Rockies—Mariano began his career immersed in the warfighter mindset under the mentorship of senior military leaders. He was first stationed at Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado, where he conducted space operations and provided strategic missile warning for global defense. He later transitioned to Los Angeles, contributing to advanced space programs focused on space superiority, air dominance, and secure communications across both domestic and international theaters. His experience across the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force uniquely positions him to lead cutting-edge defense initiatives at the intersection of innovation and national security.
