Commercial Drones Reshape Modern Warfare Tactics

Recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have highlighted the growing importance of commercial drones in modern warfare. According to an analysis by Kerry Chávez and Ori Swed, militaries are increasingly incorporating low-cost, commercial unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into their tactical arsenals alongside more advanced military-grade drones.

The Rise of Tactical Drones in State Militaries

While terrorist groups have used commercial drones for over a decade, state militaries are now recognizing their value on the battlefield. Ukraine, Russia, and Israel have all made extensive use of tactical drones for reconnaissance, targeting, psychological operations, and attacks.

Ukraine’s “army of drones” initiative saw the country amass a fleet of commercial models to support ground troops, proving so effective that Russian forces began emulating the tactic. Israel has also rapidly adopted small drones to fight in urban environments in Gaza.

Advantages of Commercial Drones

Several factors make commercial drones appealing for military use:

1. Low cost and dispensability
2. Rapid procurement and replacement
3. Ease of operation and modification
4. Effectiveness in tactical situations

As one analyst noted, “Some conceptualize simple drones as ammunition, expended when needed and casings left behind without batting an eye.”

Challenges and Considerations

While commercial drones offer tactical advantages, militaries must address several challenges:

1. Identifying an ideal mix of drone types
2. Developing appropriate sourcing strategies
3. Balancing security and affordability
4. Fostering responsible use
5. Implementing staged rollout and doctrine changes

DroneXL’s Take

The growing use of commercial drones in military operations highlights the rapid evolution of Drone Technology and its applications. As we’ve seen in recent drone technology advancements, the line between consumer and military-grade systems continues to blur. This trend underscores the need for ongoing research and development in both drone capabilities and countermeasures to ensure responsible use of this technology in various contexts, from civilian applications to military operations.