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Simulating autonomous drone behaviors in an anti-access area denial (A2AD) environment

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Listed:
  • Alexander L Martinez
  • Lance E Champagne
  • Phillip M LaCasse

Abstract

Army senior military leaders are invested in acquiring modernized aerial platforms and equipment to augment the US Army’s ability to overcome Anti-Access Area Denial (A2AD) threats imposed by modern Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS). A prominent element of this modernization effort is the employment of autonomous drones to defeat IADS threats while minimizing risk to Army Soldiers. This research utilizes a framework for classifying the levels of autonomous capability along three dimensions: the ability to act alone, the ability to cooperate, and the ability to adapt. A virtual combat model, created using the Advanced Framework for Simulation, Integration, and Modeling (AFSIM), simulates the engagement between an enemy IADS and a friendly formation comprised of autonomous drones, attack helicopters, and a Long Range Precision Fires (LRPF) capability. A designed experiment evaluates drone performance with varying levels of autonomy. The experimental results reveal that low levels of autonomy yield a 20.74% increase in survivability and a 5.52% increase in lethality.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander L Martinez & Lance E Champagne & Phillip M LaCasse, 2026. "Simulating autonomous drone behaviors in an anti-access area denial (A2AD) environment," The Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation, , vol. 23(2), pages 325-334, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:joudef:v:23:y:2026:i:2:p:325-334
    DOI: 10.1177/15485129241288236
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. C M Macal, 2016. "Everything you need to know about agent-based modelling and simulation," Journal of Simulation, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(2), pages 144-156, May.
    2. Kevin L Foster & Mikel D Petty, 2021. "Estimating the tactical impact of robot swarms using a semi-automated forces system and design of experiments methods," The Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation, , vol. 18(3), pages 247-269, July.
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