It's interesting to me how the article mentions the large payload requirement, then the only example of what that payload _could_ be is reconnaissance.
I always find it interesting how and when people or groups emphasize or de-emphasize the "death and destruction" aspect of military equipment
Reconnaissance is a prominent role but is hardly the only thing that these could be used for. What exactly is possible is going to vary a lot between designs but with the right design you can do electronic warfare, acting as a communications node, submarine hunting with sonobuoys, light strike using small precision munitions, light logistics for when someone needs literally 1 or 2 specific parts right this instant, and many other things.
I always find it interesting how and when people or groups emphasize or de-emphasize the "death and destruction" aspect of military equipment