concept

drones

Also known as: UAV

Facts (27)

Sources

Emerging Technologies And Their Impact On International Relations ... hoover.org Hoover Institution 6 facts

claimMost reviews of the impact of emerging technologies on international relations and security currently deal with potential futures rather than actual scenarios, with the exception of drones and some cyber issues.

claimInternational efforts to regulate emerging technologies are currently minor, with the United Nations expert discussions on drones serving as an example.

claimThe use of drones and Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (L)AWS presents almost zero risk to military personnel and may result in fewer military and civilian casualties on the opposing side due to more targeted use compared to traditional bombers or tanks.

claimDrones and Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (L)AWS cost less than major military hardware such as jets and tanks, which lowers the psychological threshold for engagement in military actions and provokes international ethical debates.

claimThe deployment of drones and Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (L)AWS contributes to the 'humanization' of war for public opinion, public alienation from war, and the 'gamification' of war.

claimDrones are defined as distantly operated robotized systems, and advanced robotics/autonomous weapon systems (AWS) include Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (L)AWS, also known as 'killer robots'.

Navigating the Digital Battlefield - Joint Air Power Competence Centre japcc.org JAPCC 3 facts

accountDuring the March 2023 exercise at Schofield Barracks, the 11th Cyber Battalion used air- and ground-launched drones, stand-in jammers, and other cyber and EW tools to infiltrate and disrupt tactical surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems.

claimUkrainian forces have deployed agile, small-scale drones capable of conducting electronic reconnaissance and precision strikes as a response to electronic warfare threats.

claimUkrainian forces have utilized commercially available drones equipped with jamming modules to counter Russian UAVs and disrupt Russian communications.

How NATO can integrate AI to prevail in future algorithmic warfare atlanticcouncil.org Atlantic Council 4 days ago 3 facts

claimHigh-power microwaves are suitable for area defenses and perimeter denial against swarms of drones, while high-energy lasers perform point defense similar to short-range air defense and counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar missions.

claimAdvances in machine vision allow drones to determine their position without relying on global navigation satellite systems by comparing real-time imagery from downward-facing cameras with stored satellite images and inertial data.

claimAdversaries can interfere with real-life data collection for autonomous systems, such as drones, by tampering with the environment to impact sensory input and cause abnormal behavior.

War by Proxy: Iran's Growing Footprint in the Middle East - CSIS csis.org CSIS Mar 11, 2019 2 facts

claimThe Houthis have used Iranian weapons and parts, including ballistic missiles and drones, to threaten shipping near the Bab el Mandeb Strait and to attack land-based targets in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

claimThe "Precision Project" is an initiative supported by Iran to expand and upgrade the inventory of rockets, missiles, and drones held by Hezbollah.

Hemp vs. marijuana: Cross-pollination concerns grow | Verisk verisk.com Verisk 2 facts

claimThe USDA is supporting researchers at Virginia Tech who are developing wind-dispersed pollen prediction models by using drones to track the travel distance of pollen grains.

claimThe USDA is supporting researchers at Virginia Tech who are developing wind-dispersed pollen prediction models by using drones to track how far pollen grains can travel.

Independence play: Europe's pursuit of strategic autonomy ecfr.eu European Council on Foreign Relations Jul 18, 2019 1 fact

claimRespondents to an ECFR survey identified air-to-air refuelling, civilian capabilities, medical support and evacuation, interoperability, military mobility, drones, and increased coordination in implementing the European Defence Fund and PESCO as the most important capabilities for achieving European strategic autonomy.

The Limits of Iran's Proxy Empire | The New Yorker newyorker.com The New Yorker Mar 12, 2026 1 fact

claimIran provided the Houthis with training, ballistic missiles, and other advanced weaponry, which enabled the group to develop capabilities in asymmetric warfare using drones and rockets.

A Comprehensive Review of Neuro-symbolic AI for Robustness ... link.springer.com Springer Dec 9, 2025 1 fact

claimNeuro-symbolic AI is used in military operations to enhance autonomous systems, such as unmanned vehicles and drones that perform surveillance and logistics independently.

Twenty questions (and expert answers) about the Iran war atlanticcouncil.org Atlantic Council Mar 11, 2026 1 fact

claimThe stated goals of the United States in the conflict with Iran include degrading Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, navy, drones, and control of its terror proxies.

The Impact and Implications of the Ukraine Crisis - Interpret interpret.csis.org CSIS Feb 28, 2023 1 fact

claimThe prolonged use of drones in the Russia-Ukraine war increases the likelihood of deploying fully autonomous 'killer drones' that can identify, select, and engage targets without human assistance.

“The Old Foods Are the New Foods!”: Erosion and Revitalization of ... frontiersin.org Frontiers 1 fact

claimModern technologies such as wildlife cameras and drones are used to assist in understanding animal migration patterns and determining the extent of habitats in culturally managed ecosystems.

Political and social trends in the future of global security. A meta ... link.springer.com Springer Dec 5, 2017 1 fact

claimTerrorist and insurgent groups utilize dual-use technologies such as drones, encrypted communication, night vision devices, and GPS, which significantly increase their paramilitary capabilities.

Iran and Middle East conflict impacts global economy - Deloitte deloitte.com Deloitte Mar 18, 2026 1 fact

claimOil, gas, and other infrastructure in the Gulf region have been subjected to attacks, primarily using missiles and drones.

Beyond Missile Deterrence: The Rise of Algorithmic Superiority trendsresearch.org Trends Research & Advisory Mar 16, 2026 1 fact

claimIran relies on drones, regional proxies, and cyber intrusions to monitor United States and Israeli positions while attempting to evade or overwhelm surveillance networks.

War in Ukraine | Global Conflict Tracker - Council on Foreign Relations cfr.org Council on Foreign Relations Feb 24, 2026 1 fact

accountRussian forces utilized ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and more than three hundred drones to conduct strikes across Ukraine.

War in the Middle East and the Role of AI-Powered Cyberattacks manaramagazine.org Manara Magazine Mar 13, 2026 1 fact

claimAI systems can cause unnecessary shutdowns of networks or drones if they falsely identify safe servers as hostile or misread flight patterns.