Decision For The Next Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Considering Regional Operational Requirements Based on Z-Fuzzy Best-Worst Method

In this study, we discuss the relationship between being a regional air power and having military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and we explore the priorities for Turkiye's next type of UAV to be developed. The Turkish Ministry of National Defence aims to have a strong and influential armed forces that is respected and accepted as a leader in its region and beyond. This requires a large and modern Air Force. UAVs have become an essential component of air power, allowing countries to project military strength and defend their interests in the region. To determine the priority for the next type of UAV, we present six alternatives: a strategic bomber UAV, an air refueling UAV, a multi-role loyal wingman UAV with EW capabilities, a UAV in the role of Command and Control functions, an airlift cargo UAV/drone, and a Combat Search & Rescue swarm of UAVs/drones. Then, we use the Best-Worst Method (BWM) with z-number theory to rank the UAV projects and technologies. The z-fuzzy BWM is employed to prioritize UAV alternatives, considering the uncertainty in decision-maker's evaluations and reliability levels. Based on the judgments of experts, the priority value of each strategy is calculated, and the most important UAV alternative is determined as the multi-role loyal wingman UAV with EW capabilities.