How Drones Changed War Forever

How Drones Changed War Forever

The warning may be no louder than a small electric motor. Yet a cheap aircraft above a position can observe movement, guide artillery or force everyone below to change how they operate.

This documentary traces military drones from early target aircraft and the Predator era to commercial quadcopters, first-person-view systems, electronic warfare, uncrewed boats and layered counter-drone defence. It examines the rapid adaptation cycle visible in Ukraine, the economics of cheap attackers and expensive interceptors, and the growing role of autonomy.

It also asks where human judgement, international humanitarian law and accountability must remain as software takes on more of the flight and targeting process.

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