Strategic Planning Role of the UAV
USAF will aggressively pursue emerging technologies
to develop, field, and operate UAV solutions for
applicable military roles across the spectrum of
warfare, consistent with evolving operational
concepts, emerging roadmaps, and validated mission
area requirements. Viable UAV candidates will
compete with other potential solutions to meet
validated needs within specific mission areas based
on cost, capability, reliability, and suitability.
(Air Force Strategic Plan, Vol. III, 28 Oct 1998)