Consider the longbow: RMAs, evolutionary technology, and uncrewed systems

Developments in uncrewed military technologies have led some to proclaim the emergence of an uncrewed revolution in military affairs (RMA). Though uncrewed systems and autonomous platforms are thought to revolutionise warfare, evidence suggests that these technologies are instead technological evolutions within the larger information revolution. Historical technologies, such as the English Longbow and the tank, present comparable instances where novel military technologies have been overprescribed as revolutionary due to tactical capabilities, but were constrained by innovative counter-measures and failed to change warfare to the degree which constitutes an RMA. Despite claims of an uncrewed RMA, uncrewed systems have yet to alter strategic outcomes, render conventional forces obsolete, or fundamentally reshape the strategic level of warfighting, yet stakeholder hype may be influencing defence spending and readiness initiatives. Understanding the capabilities of uncrewed systems transcends semantic debate; instead, it is crucial for informed defence planning.