The use of drones in war has been a controversial topic for many years. On one hand, there are those who argue that drones are a form of warfare that should be avoided due to the potential for civilian casualties and collateral damage. On the other hand, there are those who argue that drones can be an effective tool in proactively limiting the capabilities of insurgents and terrorists, while minimizing civilian casualties and collateral damage. International humanitarian law does not include specific rules for the use of explosive weapons, although the use of such weapons must be in accordance with the principles of IHL that govern the conduct of hostilities.
Explosive weapons are not only highly likely to have indiscriminate effects, but they also have significant repercussions, in particular the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, with devastating consequences for the life and health of the civilian population. The application of existing rules of international humanitarian law often does not adequately capture or address these effects. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, are remotely controlled aircraft that can be armed with missiles and bombs for attack missions. Drones have been found to be an effective tool in proactively limiting the capabilities of insurgents and terrorists, while minimizing civilian casualties and collateral damage.
By deploying air defense systems and electronic warfare systems with qualified personnel to operate them, major regional powers can significantly degrade and possibly stop a military offensive that depends largely on current generation military drones. The use of drones in war has been found to have revolutionary effects on war and world politics. The manned and unmanned teamwork system that Boeing has sold to Australia and the first aerial refueling with the MQ-25 Stingray could mark the way to an era in which drones refuel each other in the air. This could potentially revolutionize warfare by allowing for longer-term missions without having to return to base for refueling.
In conclusion, while there are still some risks associated with using drones in war, there are also many potential benefits. Drones can be used to proactively limit the capabilities of insurgents and terrorists, while minimizing civilian casualties and collateral damage. They can also revolutionize warfare by allowing for longer-term missions without having to return to base for refueling. For these reasons, it is important that militaries continue to develop drone doctrine that deploys unmanned systems in all their services.
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