> which have a payload and sometimes a fiber optic cable
The optic cable is for the human pilot. An AI piloted drone doesn't need it.
If we are ok with AI drones autonomously choosing bombing targets, then you're right.
I suspect the first big use case and subsequent rewrite of the battlefield will come from AI drones targeting enemy drones.
I think Ukraine would be ok with AI drones launched next to a Russian airfield autonomously choosing targets...
I expect Russia will be ok with it in any situation.
Obviously the Russians wouldn't be one hundred percent okay with drones autonomously choosing targets in or near Russian airfields...
They'd be fine with the drones taking out all of their 3 and 5 engine bombers though.
Although even autonomous combat/ISTAR drones may require fibre spools for BDA, ISTAR, etc.