Why do Group 1 UAS present a significant threat?

• A. Small radar cross-section, low altitude, inexpensive and numerous
• B. Large radar cross-section, high altitude, expensive and rare
• C. They fly faster than missiles
• D. They are large and easily tracked

Answer: (A)

Group 1 UAS are a significant threat because they combine a very small radar presence with low-altitude flight and low cost, which together enable mass deployment and hard detection. Their tiny radar cross-section makes them easy to miss on radar, especially at longer ranges. Flying at very low altitude lets them ride terrain masking and stay under the radar horizon, reducing the time and space available for defenses to react. Add in their low cost, and an adversary can field large numbers quickly, creating a persistent, volume-based danger that can overwhelm sensors and shooters or saturate engagement opportunities. This combination—hard-to-detect, close-to-the-ground, and cheap-to-produce in large quantities—best explains why Group 1 UAS pose such a threat.