In 2005 we saw a greater push to use unmanned aerial vehicles in the battlespace, we saw the go ahead of the United States Air Force to secure 15 squadrons of UAVs for future military surveillance and engagements.

We listened to announcements of the United States Coast Guard and their efforts to implement more UAV usage, as well as the head of DHS, who ordered more UAVs to fly our borders to protect us from illegal entry of enemy insurgents or sleeper cells. In Iraq we now have small UAVs, which are hand launched and fly around and send back images to troops to warn them of possible threats and protect them from harm.

In 2006 we will see new versions of such technologies come into play and they will be used for defense of commercial and private industry facilities as well. The desire for more robust and greater quantities of Unmanned Aerial Surveillance systems will continue and this will be a long-term growth industry all though and past 2006. The Future Force Roadmap for all military agencies and Homeland Security will expand the number of units, methods of use and types of UAVs to serve in the niches they see fit.

Additionally these systems will guard ship fleets, harbors, airport perimeters, infrastructure, government operations, communication systems, transportation centers, distribution hubs, power stations and large public events. UAVs will continue to be used to help in Geo Earth sciences, weather monitoring, environmental clean-up efforts and healthy forest initiatives.

Also in 2006 expect the immediate deployment of UAVs for assistance during and after any major disasters such as; floods, Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Hurricanes, Tornadoes, wildfires or God forbid International Terrorist attacks; that is if a UAV does not catch them trying to sneak in before they can cause such an event. Think about this in 2006.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/