High-Altitude Platforms and Robots

Evaluate the strategic value of high-altitude unmanned platforms (stratospheric drones) and advanced underwater robotics for defense, science, disaster response, and industry. Compare design tradeoffs, costs, regulatory regimes, airspace and sea-space governance, dual-use risks, and export controls. Propose governance and investment frameworks to balance national security with innovation, and outline a research agenda and international norms for safe deployment.