Drone warfare uses advanced robotics technology to inflict destruction in various ways. It represents a paradigm shift in military strategy, driven by advances in science, technology, and particularly, robotics.
Drone warfare is conflict using unmanned air and ground equipment, often remotely controlled. Drones come in various forms, each designed for specific purposes.
unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), also often called armed drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) patrolling waterways
ground-based drones equipped with weaponry
Recreational drones first come into widespread use from 2015. Home cleaning aids like aerial dusting drones are set to hit the market, while drones for photography and hobby science quickly gain popularity.
As weapons of war, UAVs are first used in 1849. The Austrian army launches a fleet of unmanned balloons carrying explosives over Venice, to punish its citizens for revolting.
Robot drones are first used in World War II to train anti-aircraft gunners. Modern use has led to a rapid proliferation of drone technology, both within state militaries and in the hands of non-state power grabbers.
Drones have clear strategic advantages. They can complete missions in risky areas where manned craft cannot go. The Center for the Study of Drone Warfare records 90% of US airstrikes in 2020 carried out by drones.
UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles): These are purpose-built military drones designed for offensive operations. They are equipped with sophisticated sensors, targeting systems, and a payload of air-to-ground missiles or bombs.
The payload is a scientific or technological instrument carried on board a satellite or craft for a specific reason, for example a communicator, camera or explosive. Payloads vary in purpose, size, composition and capabilities.
UCAVs are often deployed for targeted killings, reconnaissance and air support. Examples include the MQ-9 Reaper, known for its long flight time and ability to carry a substantial payload.
UCAVs like Predator and Reaper drones execute targeted strikes, recon missions and combat support with little human oversight. Reaper can fly for over 27 hours continuously and engage multiple targets in one mission.
Weaponized Commercial UAVs: Availability of commercial drones brings a new dimension to drone warfare. Relatively inexpensive and easy to get, these drones can be adapted to carry and deliver explosives.
This blurs the lines between military and civilian technology, making attribution and control significantly more difficult. Drones like the DJI Inspire have been modified for reconnaissance and surveillance.
The trend raises concerns about lack of regulations for these technologies and their misuse in both military and civilian areas. About 70% of commercial drones can be repurposed for warfare.
Unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) and ground-based drones are also significant. USVs are used in navies for tasks such as surveillance and mine detection. Drones like the iRobot PackBot, employed for bomb disposal, assist in safety by removing personnel from dangerous environments.
Methods of Drone Attack
Methods used in drone attacks are as varied as the types of drones. The most prevalent include:
Bombing: UCAVs are equipped with bombs for precision strikes against stationary targets, vehicles, and infrastructure. The level of precision offered by these weapons allows for targeted attacks, theoretically minimizing collateral damage, although this remains a contentious issue.
Missile Strikes: Air-to-ground missiles are a common armament for UCAVs, capable of engaging targets at significant distances. These missiles can be guided with pinpoint accuracy, effective for moving targets.
Kamikaze Drones (Crashing into a Target): Both UCAVs and weaponized commercial UAVs can be used as kamikaze drones. They crash directly into a target and detonating an explosive payload.
This method is often employed against high-value targets or in situations requiring direct impact. The use of commercial drones for this purpose is enables relatively easy and anonymous attacks.
According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ), U.S. strikes in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen from 2002 to 2020 kill between 10,000 and 17,000 people. Of these, over 10% are thought to be civilians.
According to a February 2025 news post, in January 2025 short-range drones cause more casualties than any other weapon in Ukraine. Civilian deaths by short-range drones continue to increase.
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