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Abstract
Prediction is notoriously difficult, but to make good policy decisions and thus good resource allocation, it is essential to ensure rugged policy decisions. Traditionally air delivered ordinance has been divided into two classes, namely, strategic and tactical. However, in asymmetric conflicts, the distinction between these have become blurred. Recently, a third category has been proposed, namely, attacks against either individuals or assets. It should be noted that these can be far removed from the theatre of war and even in a neutral country. The main bulk of the strategic load has moved from vehicles in which the operator is on board the vehicle, to autonomous vehicles such as cruise and ballistic missiles. At the same time the new class of mission, sometimes referred to as the surgical strike has moved towards remotely controlled vehicles, often called drones. The main tactical missions have still remained the province of the operator on board type operation.
