However, in order to realize the promise of this revolutionary capability, the Navy must fully fund the N-UCAS Carrier Demonstration and Technology Maturation programs from today through their conclusion in 2013.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Where are the carriers?

With the use of privatized security services, a robust military capability can still be maintained by the U.N. peacekeeping force without the attendant political backlash caused by casualties to U.S. forces.

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By reducing the number of U.N. personnel on the ground, the ability of hostile forces to take hostages or to retaliate is also reduced, and capability to use air power is enhanced, according to U.N. spokesman Lt.

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An unmanned aircraft like N-UCAS solves both these problems at once, providing a cost-effective capability that allows the carriers to find and attack terrorists and insurgents, and also to counter cruise and ballistic missile threats from a survivable distance.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Where are the carriers?