Discover the capabilities of military drones: surveillance, combat, kamikaze. Detailed analysis of each type, with concrete examples and precise figures.

Military drones, also known as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), play a crucial role in modern operations. These aircraft offer a wide range of capabilities, from surveillance to direct attack. Their use reduces the risks to troops while providing valuable information on the ground. In this article, we take a detailed look at the different types of military drones, their capabilities and practical applications.

Surveillance drones

Surveillance drones are designed to provide real-time information on enemy movements, strategic positions and environmental conditions. These devices are equipped with high-resolution cameras, infrared sensors and sometimes radar. An emblematic example is the American MQ-9 Reaper, capable of flying at an altitude of 15,240 meters and staying aloft for 27 hours. It can cover a distance of 1,850 kilometers, making it ideal for long-duration missions.

These drones are used for reconnaissance, tracking enemy movements and intelligence gathering. For example, the Israeli Heron TP, with an autonomy of over 30 hours and a range of 7,400 kilometers, has been used to monitor borders and conflict zones. The information gathered by these drones is crucial for military operations planning and strategic decision-making.

Surveillance drones also offer live communication and data transmission capabilities, enabling field commanders to react quickly to changing situations. The use of these drones has significantly improved the ability of armed forces to conduct operations based on accurate, up-to-date information.

Combat drones

Combat drones, or armed drones, are aircraft equipped with weapons systems such as missiles and guided bombs. Their main advantage is their ability to strike targets with precision, while minimizing the risk to human pilots. A notable example is the Predator B, which can carry up to 1,360 kilograms of munitions, including AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and GBU-12 Paveway II bombs.

These drones are often used for targeted strike missions against enemy installations, armored vehicles and groups of fighters. For example, MQ-1 Predator drones have been widely used in Afghanistan and Iraq to eliminate high-value targets. Their ability to stay aloft for hours at a time means they can monitor and attack targets at just the right moment.

Combat drones are equipped with advanced navigation systems, electro-optical sensors and laser designators, enabling them to strike targets with great precision. This precision reduces collateral damage and increases the effectiveness of strikes. What’s more, combat drones can operate in hostile environments without endangering human lives, making them a valuable asset for modern military operations.

Kamikaze drones

Kamikaze drones, also known as prowler munitions or suicide drones, are designed to crash into enemy targets, causing extensive destruction. Unlike traditional combat drones, these devices are not recoverable after their mission. A well-known example is the Harop, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, which can fly for six hours and has a range of 1,000 kilometers.

These drones are used for missions to suppress enemy air defenses, destroy armored vehicles and neutralize fortified positions. In 2020, the Harop was successfully used in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, demonstrating its effectiveness in air defense suppression operations.

Kamikaze drones offer the advantage of being discreet and difficult to detect before impact. Their relatively low cost compared with conventional missiles makes them an attractive option for modern armies seeking to maximize their striking power while minimizing costs. What’s more, the ability of these drones to remain airborne for long periods of time means they can choose the optimum moment for attack, thus increasing their effectiveness.

Consequences and impact of military drones

The growing use of military drones has significant consequences for the way modern warfare is waged. From a tactical point of view, drones enable more precise and less risky operations, reducing casualties among the troops involved. Moreover, the ability to carry out surgical strikes minimizes collateral damage and preserves civilian infrastructure.

On a strategic level, drones are changing the dynamics of conflict by offering continuous surveillance and strike capabilities. For example, US drones have played a key role in the fight against terrorism, targeting the leaders of militant groups with unrivalled precision. This ability to strike specific targets without committing troops on the ground has changed the nature of military campaigns.

However, the use of drones also raises ethical and legal questions. Drone strikes, particularly those carried out outside declared war zones, raise concerns about violations of national sovereignty and human rights. Moreover, the proliferation of military drones around the world increases the risk of conflict escalation and their use by non-state actors.

Military drones and unmanned aerial systems represent a major technological advance in the defense sector. Their varied capabilities, from surveillance to direct attack, offer significant tactical and strategic advantages. However, their use also raises ethical and legal challenges that need to be addressed. Understanding the differences between drone types and their applications is essential for assessing their impact on military operations and international security.

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