Large Language Model-Assisted UAV Operations and Communications: A Multifaceted Survey and Tutorial

Researchers have published a comprehensive survey exploring the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) with Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), proposing a unified framework for intelligent drone operations. The study examines how LLMs can enhance UAV capabilities including swarm coordination, navigation, mission planning, and human-drone interaction through advanced reasoning and multimodal processing.

• →LLMs can significantly enhance UAV intelligence beyond traditional optimization and learning-based approaches for aerial operations.
• →The survey proposes a unified framework integrating LLM adaptation techniques like fine-tuning, RAG, and prompt engineering for drone systems.
• →Key applications include autonomous navigation, mission planning, swarm control, and safety management for UAV operations.
• →Multimodal LLMs enable improved human-swarm interaction and perception-driven navigation capabilities.
• →Ethical considerations around bias, transparency, and human-in-the-loop strategies are identified as critical research areas.