Drones by themselves just reduce cost and exposure of a human pilot. The weather profile and flight envelope are similar to a conventional plane or helicopter.

Drones by themselves just reduce cost and exposure of a human pilot. The weather profile and flight envelope are similar to a conventional plane or helicopter. A heavy-lift 'logistics drone' is just a pilotless plane or helicopter. However, the last km to the infantryman has more impact for innovation, whether by drone or robot mule. The business model for drones has been innovative. The bases are often not in the combat zone, so companies can offer Surveillance-as-a-Service to the military. Similarly, Amazon-ian supply-chain management and automated logistics warehouses have also pushed towards the front, and often remain under commercial control. New equipment deliveries are now often contracted to be in-theatre, not to the 'Purple Gate' military distribution system starting in the home country.