Drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies are rapidly advancing, opening up new possibilities for military operations. Modern drones play a key role in reconnaissance, surveillance, cargo delivery, and even combat. In this article, we will explore the latest achievements in this field and provide examples of leading manufacturers and their innovative solutions.

Alex Schmidt,
tech analyst

Modern drones find application in various fields, from agriculture and logistics to the military, security, and entertainment sectors. For instance, farmers actively integrate drone technologies for field monitoring, fertilizer and pesticide application, as well as for collecting data on plant health. For example, the company DJI has developed the Agras T30 drone, which efficiently manages irrigation and chemical spraying, increasing the productivity of farms.

Drones have started to play a significant role in logistics and product delivery. Companies like Amazon are actively testing their Prime Air drone delivery system, promising to deliver goods within 30 minutes. Another company, Zipline, uses drones to deliver medical supplies and blood to remote areas, significantly speeding up the delivery process and saving lives.

For ensuring security and territory monitoring, drones are utilized by law enforcement agencies, border patrols, and private security firms. Parrot, for instance, offers drones from the Anafi series equipped with high-quality cameras and infrared sensors, which aid in surveillance and data collection in real-time.

Industrial drones are used for inspection and monitoring of complex structures such as oil platforms, power plants, and bridges. SkySpecs provides autonomous drones for wind turbine inspection, enabling quick and safe assessment of their condition.

DJI (Dà-Jiāng Innovations) is a Chinese company, a leader in manufacturing drones for various applications. It is known for its drones for aerial photography, such as the Phantom and Mavic series, as well as industrial solutions like Matrice and Agras. Parrot is a French company specializing in the production of drones for consumer and professional markets. Their Anafi series drones are used for filming, mapping, and inspection purposes.

However, the most impressive advancements have been made in the field of military drones.

Military Drone Applications

The development of unmanned systems has significantly expanded the capabilities of military operations, providing new strategies for reconnaissance, surveillance, combat actions, and logistical support. 

Reconnaissance and Surveillance

One of the most important functions of military drones is reconnaissance and surveillance. Modern drones are equipped with high-quality cameras, infrared sensors, and other sensors that allow for clear images and real-time video footage. An example is the MQ-9 Reaper drone from General Atomics, which is actively used for reconnaissance missions. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is an American company known for its advanced unmanned systems, such as

MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper. These drones are actively used by the armed forces of the United States and their allies for reconnaissance and strike missions. 

Strike drones

Strike drones are designed to carry out combat tasks such as target destruction. The MQ-9 Reaper falls into this category as well, as it can not only conduct surveillance but also strike ground targets using guided missiles and bombs.

Another example is the Bayraktar TB2 drone from the Turkish company Baykar, which is actively used in various conflicts around the world. The Bayraktar AKINCI UAV, an original aircraft developed by Baykar, successfully underwent a series of live-fire tests against moving and stationary sea targets. The Bayraktar AKINCI destroyed naval targets during military exercises using its own domestic developments – electro-optical systems and mini-smart munitions. 

Electronic warfare and intelligence

Drones can be utilized to perform electronic warfare tasks, including the suppression of enemy communication systems and radar systems. For instance, the ALTIUS-600 drone from Area-I is capable of conducting electronic warfare missions, making it indispensable in modern military conflicts.  

Elbit Systems is an Israeli defense company that develops a wide range of unmanned systems, such as the Hermes 900. This drone is used for reconnaissance, observation, data collection, and can also perform strike missions. 

Northrop Grumman is one of the largest aerospace and defense companies in the world. It develops drones such as the RQ-4 Global Hawk, which are used for high-resolution, long-endurance, high-altitude reconnaissance. 

Northrop Grumman is a leader in autonomous systems, helping its clients address a wide range of challenges—from unmanned aerial vehicles and underwater mine detection systems to defense readiness targets.

Boeing is an American corporation and one of the largest manufacturers of aviation, space, and military technology in the world. It also develops military drones. Their MQ-25 Stingray is designed for aerial refueling, significantly extending the range of U.S. Navy carrier-based fighters.

Eurodrone is one of the key projects being developed within the European Union. This medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle is being developed by a consortium that includes Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo. Eurodrone is designed for reconnaissance and surveillance missions and can also be equipped with weapons for strike tasks. 

Taranis is a development by the British company BAE Systems. It is a prototype strike drone equipped with stealth technology. Taranis is capable of performing both reconnaissance and strike missions, using advanced artificial intelligence technologies for autonomous control and decision-making. The company is renowned for its developments in autonomous systems. 

Heron TP is a drone developed by the Israeli company IAI and used by the German Air Force. It is designed for long-endurance reconnaissance missions at high altitudes and is equipped with various sensors and surveillance systems. Germany is considering the possibility of arming these drones to expand their capabilities. 

Neuron is a European combat drone project developed by a consortium including Dassault Aviation, Alenia Aermacchi, and Saab. Neuron is designed to carry out strike missions using stealth  technologies and precision weaponry.

CH-5 Rainbow is a heavy attack drone developed by the China Academy of Aerospace Aerodynamics (CAAA). It is capable of performing long-duration missions at high altitudes and is equipped with a variety of weaponry, including guided missiles and bombs. The CH-5 is actively exported and used by various countries.  

Latest developments and technologies in AI

One of the most promising areas is the creation of drone swarms that can work in coordination with each other. These swarms are capable of performing complex missions, including reconnaissance, attack, and electronic warfare. An example is the U.S. Air Force’s Skyborg project, which is developing autonomous drones to support manned aircraft.

Modern drones are becoming increasingly autonomous thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence. These technologies allow drones to make decisions independently in real time, significantly increasing their effectiveness in combat conditions. The XQ-58A Valkyrie from Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is an example of a highly autonomous drone.

Hypersonic drones, capable of speeds exceeding Mach 5, open up new possibilities for military operations. These drones can quickly reach targets and perform missions while remaining stealthy to enemy air defense systems. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon are actively working on developing such systems.

In addition to aerial drones, there are impressive innovations in ground, surface, and underwater unmanned systems:

MAARS (Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System)

Manufacturer: QinetiQ

MAARS is an advanced UGV designed for reconnaissance and direct combat. It is equipped with day and night vision cameras, a loudspeaker, and various weapons, including a machine gun and a grenade launcher. MAARS can traverse rough terrain and is remotely operated, providing a versatile tool for modern military operations. 

Themis

Manufacturer: Milrem Robotics

Themis is a modular UGV that supports various payloads and applications, including reconnaissance, logistics, and combat tasks. It can be equipped with weapon systems or used for transporting supplies and evacuating the wounded, enhancing operational flexibility on the battlefield. 

Surface Drones

Surface drones, or Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs), are used for maritime reconnaissance, mine countermeasures, and combat support.

Sea Hunter

Manufacturer: DARPA/Leidos

Sea Hunter is an autonomous USV developed for anti-submarine warfare. It can operate for extended periods without a crew, conducting surveillance and tracking enemy submarines. Sea Hunter represents a significant advancement in autonomous maritime operations. 

Protector  

Manufacturer: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli company and one of the top four Israeli arms exporters

Protector is an armed USV used for maritime security and patrol missions. It is equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems and can be remotely operated. Protector enhances maritime capabilities in coastal defense and the protection of strategic assets.

Underwater Drones

Underwater drones, or Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), are crucial for underwater warfare, mine detection, and underwater reconnaissance.

Bluefin-21

Manufacturer: Bluefin Robotics

Bluefin-21 is an autonomous UUV used for underwater exploration and reconnaissance. It is capable of mapping the seafloor and conducting detailed surveys, making it an invaluable asset for  maritime operations and underwater archaeology.

Orca XLUUV (Extra-Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle)

Manufacturer: Boeing и Huntington Ingalls Industries

Orca XLUUV — a large UUV designed for long-duration missions, including mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering. It can operate autonomously for several months, providing continuous underwater surveillance. 

Technologies for drones and autonomous systems continue to evolve, offering increasingly advanced systems and solutions for military tasks. Leading manufacturers are developing innovative systems that are changing the landscape of modern armed forces and the rules of warfare. From reconnaissance and surveillance to strike missions and electronic warfare, drones are becoming an integral part of military strategy, reflecting the modern level of equipment and combat capability of the army, and thus the security of their country.