Version of Loitering Munitions Classification Based on the State-of-the-Art and Trends Analysis

At present, objects of the rocket and space industry and strategic nuclear forces of the leading countries of the world, as well as other expensive infrastructure objects, can be attacked by air attack units belonging to the newest class of weapon — loitering munitions. This type of weapons combines low cost and easy development and production, which makes them available for illegal armed formations and the conduct of hybrid warfare. According to their design features and performance characteristics, loitering munitions occupy a place between cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. To analyze the threats from this type of weaponry to objects of the rocket and space industry and other sectors of the economy and to determine potential countermeasures, a version of classifying modern and future loitering munitions is proposed based on their operating range and typical destruction objectives. Specifically, loitering munitions can be divided into anti-aircraft munitions and munitions to target ground objectives. The latter category is additionally divided into tactical, medium-range, and long-range loitering munitions. Technical features, typical munitions and development trends are given for each category of loitering munitions. The de- pendence of the loitering munition warhead mass on the launch mass was studied, and the effect of the installed engine type was shown. The dependence of the main engine type on the loitering munition category is identified, which is a determining factor that forms the configuration and performance characteristics of a munition. An analysis of modern armed conflicts shows that loitering munitions are gaining more and more importance for successful accom- plishment of combat missions. It is shown that depending on the enemy, nature of hostilities, technological and economic capabilities of the parties to the conflict, loitering munitions of different categories can be used. Examples are given of the prominent role of loitering munitions in such conflicts as the current conflict in Yemen and the recent war in Nagorno-Karabakh. Based on the proposed classification of loitering munitions and the experience of their tactical employment in armed conflicts of the 21st century, a vision was formed for the development of loitering munitions for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.