Drone technology is revolutionizing how militaries across the globe train and execute missions. As highlighted by a recent photograph from the Pennsylvania National Guard, the integration of drones into military operations is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality.

This narrative, available exclusively to subscribers of Business Insider, delves into the increasing importance of drones in contemporary combat. With rapid advancements in remotely piloted uncrewed systems, drones are fundamentally altering the landscape of warfare.

Despite their usage in past conflicts, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has seen a significant escalation in drone warfare. This includes not only the deployment of uncrewed systems but also the development of sophisticated countermeasures, particularly in the realm of electronic warfare.

Understanding Drones

Drones are defined as vehicles or systems that can operate either remotely or autonomously, without a human physically present to control them. They come in various types including aerial, ground, maritime surface, and undersea drones. The applications for these systems are vast, spanning civilian, commercial, and military purposes.

In a military context, drones can be utilized for a range of activities such as photography, videography, delivery of supplies, inspection and monitoring of areas, intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, and even precision strikes on enemy targets.

While drones have gained notoriety for their role in the Ukraine conflict, their civilian applications have also garnered significant attention. For instance, a drone scare that occurred in New Jersey in December 2024 instigated widespread hysteria, igniting a much-needed dialogue about the prevalence of drones, particularly around U.S. military installations.

In response to the growing challenge posed by drones, the Pentagon unveiled a new strategy aimed at addressing the threats posed by small aerial drones, which are easily accessible for both benign and malicious uses. The Secretary of Defense emphasized the urgency of the situation: "These inexpensive systems are increasingly transforming the battlefield, jeopardizing U.S. installations, and causing harm to our troops." This rapid proliferation of drones underscores the evolving nature of modern warfare.

Ukraine has reported a staggering capability to produce 4 million drones annually, affirming that unmanned loitering munitions are becoming central to their military strategy. These uncrewed systems are effectively taking on roles traditionally filled by snipers, combat aircraft, and naval vessels, illustrating their versatility on the battlefield.

Types of Drones

Drones can be categorized into several types, each serving unique functions. Among aerial drones, Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are a major category. UAVs can be launched by an operator and vary in their range and altitude capabilities based on their design. Some of the most recognized military UAVs include large, fixed-wing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) drones, as well as Uncrewed Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs).

For example, the U.S. military employs the MQ-4 Global Hawk for ISR tasks and UAVs like the Predator and Reaper for combat operations. The Reaper drone, in particular, is well-known for its ability to conduct surveillance and engage targets with precision strikes using Hellfire missiles.

In addition to fixed-wing drones, maritime drones are gaining traction. Countries such as Iran, China, and Turkey have developed drone carriers, prompting discussions within the U.S. military about the need for similar capabilities. Moreover, fixed-wing drones are also being developed to collaborate with piloted aircraft, with the Air Force experimenting with AI-piloted fighter jets.

Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) drones present another innovative design, including quadcopters and other variants that can operate similarly to helicopters. Small combat quadcopters, often referred to as first-person-view (FPV) drones, are used for various tactical operations, including reconnaissance and direct attacks.

Ground and Naval Drones

Uncrewed Ground Vehicles (UGVs) are another critical component of modern military technology. These land-based drones are often utilized for transporting supplies, clearing hazardous areas, and executing casualty evacuations. Many UGVs resemble advanced remote-controlled vehicles and are designed to operate in diverse terrains, particularly urban combat environments.

Some UGVs have even been designed to mimic canine features, known as robot dogs, and can be equipped with weapons or surveillance capabilities. The U.S., China, and Russia are among the countries developing these robotic canines for combat and security applications.

In the maritime domain, naval drones, including Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and surface drones, are increasingly significant. They are capable of undertaking missions in challenging aquatic environments where traditional ships may struggle. Ukraine has notably leveraged drone technology to launch effective attacks against Russian naval forces in the Black Sea, showcasing their tactical value.

Adapting to New Warfare

The U.S. military has long relied on drones for intelligence and counterterrorism operations, but the lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict have accelerated the need for adaptation. The Replicator Initiative aims to rapidly procure and deploy a large number of drones to prepare for potential future conflicts.

In conjunction with evolving drone capabilities, the Pentagon is also focusing on counter-drone technologies, recognizing the necessity for effective defenses against aerial threats. Recent incidents, such as the drone attack that resulted in U.S. casualties in Jordan, have underscored the urgency of developing comprehensive countermeasures.

The establishment of the Joint C-sUAS University at Fort Sill in Oklahoma marks a proactive step to arm troops with the knowledge and skills necessary to combat hostile drones effectively. As counter-drone technology rapidly advances, military operators must continuously innovate, utilizing everything from low-tech solutions like shotguns to sophisticated electronic warfare systems.

Future of Drone Employment in Militaries

As nations like Ukraine and Russia continuously innovate in drone warfare, the military landscape is evolving quickly. This fast-paced environment necessitates that operators possess a diverse skill set, including technological prowess and adaptability in the face of changing battle conditions.

Military organizations worldwide are actively recruiting drone operators, recognizing the unique skills required for this new domain of warfare. Skills in technology, engineering, and even fields like video gaming and music have been identified as beneficial for potential drone pilots.

In the U.S. military, various branches are looking to fill numerous drone operator positions, including tactical UAS operators in the Army and remotely piloted aircraft pilots in the Air Force. As the nature of warfare continues to transform, the definition of a military operator may also shift dramatically, emphasizing the need for a broader range of competencies.