Drones: The Unmanned Threat Reshaping Modern Warfare

Drones now dominate the skies, flying without a pilot or deterrent. They take off, land, and maneuver effortlessly over government buildings, presidential palaces, forests, and even naval vessels. Their purpose is clear: to observe, target, and spy, and in most cases, they hit their mark with precision.

Unlike traditional military weapons, drones do not require armies. Instead, a single operator from a remote location can launch a strike, making this technology one of the most significant shifts in modern warfare.

This technology has already changed the battlefield, proving its effectiveness in eliminating high-profile figures worldwide. Among those targeted are Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian general; Saleh al-Arouri, a Hamas commander; Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s political chief; and Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi, a co-founder of Hamas, alongside many others.

As drones transform modern combat, countries are racing to acquire and develop their own fleets. A study by the Institute for International Political Studies reveals that Middle Eastern powers, excluding Israel, have spent approximately $2 billion on drone technology in recent years.

Israel has been a pioneer in drone warfare, first deploying them in Southern Lebanon in the 1980s. Initially reliant on U.S. technology, Israel has since surpassed its American ally in drone development and production, making it one of the leading players in this field.

Turkey follows closely, ranking second in drone warfare. Its Bayraktar TB2 drone has become a key weapon, capable of staying airborne for 24 hours and reaching altitudes of 25,000 feet.

Iran, ranked third, has aggressively developed its drone program since the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s. With international sanctions restricting its ability to import weapons, Iran changed its focus to building its own drone fleet, which has now become central to its military strategy.

The race for drones is not limited to Israel, Turkey, and Iran. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have also entered the competition, each investing heavily in drone technology.

Following the Abraham Accords, the UAE has partnered with Israel to expand its drone fleet and strengthen its aerial capabilities. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, which has suffered repeated drone attacks from the Iranian-backed Houthis, is now prioritizing domestic drone production.

Egypt, recognizing the shifting dynamics of modern warfare, has signed defense agreements with major arms manufacturers, securing licenses to produce advanced drone models. This strategic move has positioned Egypt as an important player in the drone industry.

Despite the rapid advancements in drone technology, effective counter-drone systems remain largely undeveloped. Existing defenses are still experimental, and no country has yet established a fully reliable method to neutralize drone threats.