与容易受反卫星武器攻击，且面临数据融合技术挑战的低轨道监测星座相比，无人机空基监测层更具实用性，导弹防御局将之视为“快速反应能力”的首选（ Airborne platforms equipped with an EO/IR sensor could provide the MDA a viable quick reaction capability to augment BMDS radar），新一代传感器的强悍性能也使组网/补网所需的无人机数量降低，进一步提高战术弹性（ They also promise to track multiple targets simultaneously, substantially reducing the number of sensor assets required for large raids. ）