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Since the 9/11 attacks, military drones have been a topic of significant interest, yet they are often misunderstood. While some accounts correctly detail their role in warfare, numerous narratives spread exaggerated and unfounded myths. Below, we address ten of the most prevalent misconceptions about military drones.
10. The Term ‘Drones’ is Misleading
While most people commonly refer to military Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/Systems (UAV/S) as drones, this term is inaccurate and can be offensive to their pilots. (Yes, they are piloted.) The term “drone” often evokes the image of a monotonous humming noise, which is why male bees are called drones. Applying this term to the sophisticated systems utilized in modern warfare can clash with military terminology and be disrespectful to the operators.
The word “drone” suggests the absence of skilled human control, which is why it’s rarely used within military circles. In civilian contexts, “drone” is typically linked to quadcopters—small, remote-controlled aircraft used by enthusiasts for activities like racing, aerial photography, and recreational purposes.
9. They Aren’t a Recent Addition to Warfare
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have been part of warfare for much longer than many realize, with their origins tracing back to the 19th century. In 1849, Austrian forces launched an attack on Venice using 200 bomb-equipped balloons. These balloons, fitted with timed fuses, were an early form of pilotless aircraft. While many were blown off course by the wind, some successfully detonated over their intended targets, marking the first recorded use of such technology in combat.
Over the years, remotely controlled aircraft have evolved significantly. Before the advent of GPS, which enabled global satellite control, most UAVs were operated using radio signals. This technology also paved the way for radio-guided bombs and other advanced weapon systems.
8. They Demand More Personnel Than You Might Think
A significant drawback of manned aircraft is the sheer number of personnel needed for their operation. This includes pilots, copilots, and onboard crew, varying by aircraft type. Additionally, teams are required for fueling, moving, maintaining, repairing, and storing the aircraft when not in use.
UAVs share similar demands, often requiring even more personnel than manned aircraft. Beyond maintenance and flight crews, operators are needed for onboard sensors and cameras. For instance, an F-16 needs around 100 personnel, while a Predator requires 168 and a Reaper demands 180.
7. They Are Prone to Crashes and Need Regular Maintenance
Maintaining military aircraft is costly, and UAVs are no exception. A significant issue with UAVs is their high crash rate. While losing a UAV is preferable to losing a manned aircraft—since it avoids the need for pilot recovery missions—the military still often deploys teams to retrieve or destroy downed UAVs to prevent technology from falling into enemy hands.
Since 2004, UAV crashes have increased, likely due to extended operational hours and overuse in conflicts like Afghanistan and Iraq. In 2004, there were only nine crashes, but by 2012, the number rose to 26. Most crashes are not caused by enemy action but rather by unexplained or undisclosed technical failures.
6. Disrupting Their Signals Can Ground Them
Most UAVs rely on satellite uplinks, which are challenging to disrupt. These narrow, upward-pointing beams make ground-based jamming difficult, though not entirely impossible. If communications are interrupted, the drone automatically switches to autopilot until the connection is restored.
Commercial drones, which typically use radio frequencies, are far more susceptible to jamming. A surge of energy on their operating frequency can easily disable them. However, military UAVs are rarely affected by such tactics.
Jamming communications is a risky endeavor due to the substantial power required. While there are numerous online resources and DIY projects for building “jamming rifles” to disrupt commercial drones, we strongly discourage such activities.
5. Their Flight Duration is Surprisingly Limited
This misconception likely stems from the limited flight times of commercial drones. Most consumer quadcopters can stay airborne for about 15 minutes, with only a few lasting up to 30 minutes. This is primarily due to battery limitations, as these drones rely on small onboard power sources. In contrast, military UAVs use fuel, allowing them to operate for significantly longer periods.
The Predator, a widely used combat UAV, can fly for around 27 hours, with future upgrades expected to extend this to 40 hours. Another advanced model, the Global Observer Stratospheric Persistent UAS, boasts an impressive 168-hour flight time, thanks to its high-altitude operation at 20,000 meters (65,000 ft) and its liquid hydrogen fuel system.
4. Operating a Drone Isn’t as Simple as Playing a Video Game
While skilled video game players might have the potential to become effective UAV operators, the reverse isn’t necessarily true. Many UAV pilots have expressed frustration with this comparison, emphasizing that operating a military drone is far more complex than playing a game. Flying most military UAVs demands extensive training and expertise, similar to piloting traditional aircraft. Even though some games simulate flight mechanics, few gamers could endure an eight-hour mission without a break, as real UAV pilots often do.
Another key difference is the reality of combat. UAV pilots may be tasked with attacking and eliminating targets, which could include human lives. No video game can replicate the psychological and emotional toll of such missions.
3. Not All UAVs Are Weaponized or Intended for Lethal Operations
The majority of the 7,000+ UAVs operated by the US Military are designed for aerial reconnaissance or surveillance. The Predator, for instance, was initially unarmed and only later equipped with weapons during the Iraq conflict. Smaller UAVs, due to their size and specialized roles, are unlikely to ever be armed.
While this misconception persists, the future of UAVs is shifting. Many nations are now developing drones specifically for combat. In 2013, Boeing successfully modified an F-16 to fly autonomously, a task that typically requires two crew members. Removing human pilots allows these aircraft to withstand forces up to 9Gs, which would be fatal for a person.
Additionally, UAV helicopters equipped with miniguns, stealth aircraft, and various weapon systems are under development. The trajectory of UAV warfare suggests that this misconception may soon become a reality.
2. They Operate Independently
As previously mentioned, nearly all UAVs rely on highly trained operators to control their systems and navigate them. While some flight functions are automated, similar to commercial aircraft autopilot systems, these drones cannot be classified as fully autonomous.
Although the military does not currently deploy autonomous killing machines as some might imagine, they are actively working on such technology for future use. Both the US Navy and Army are exploring autonomous drone systems to address pilot shortages, and DARPA is investigating the development of drone swarms capable of collaboratively locating, tracking, identifying, and engaging targets. Perhaps Sarah Connor’s fears weren’t entirely unfounded . . .
1. They Maintain ‘Kill Lists’
The main role of most UAVs is reconnaissance and safeguarding ground forces. They serve as aerial surveillance tools, providing critical intelligence to protect personnel below. While some drones are armed and can engage targets, this is not their primary function. Consequently, they do not operate with predefined “kill lists” targeting specific individuals or locations.
Before a UAV can attack a target, the target must be identified, verified, and approved by a ground commander. Mistakes, however, can occur, as with manned aircraft, leading to unintended civilian casualties. This has fueled the misconception that UAVs operate with “kill lists,” allowing them to strike targets indiscriminately.
While the military maintains lists of High-Value Targets, these are not preloaded onto UAVs for spontaneous engagement. Instead, these lists guide mission planning, which may or may not involve the use of drones.
