Drones have become essential for detecting, monitoring and neutralizing terrorist threats on a global scale, thanks to their precision and adaptability.
Drones play a central role in the fight against terrorism, offering real-time surveillance and intervention capabilities. These devices can gather precise information on high-risk areas, identify targets and carry out targeted strikes. Used by countries such as the United States and France, they help reduce the risks to ground troops while increasing the effectiveness of operations. In 2023, global military spending on drones reached €14.1 billion, illustrating their growing importance in security strategies.
Increased surveillance thanks to advanced technological capabilities
Drones are mainly used for their ability to continuously monitor large, hard-to-reach areas. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and infrared sensors, they detect suspicious activity and identify the movements of terrorist groups, even in remote areas.
For example, the MQ-9 Reaper drones used by US forces can fly at altitudes of up to 15,000 meters while providing real-time images. These devices, equipped with optical and thermal sensors, can be used to monitor targets in desert areas such as the Sahel, where conditions are often inaccessible to ground troops.
The data collected by the drones is then transmitted to analysis centers, where it is cross-referenced with information from other sources. This has enabled, for example, the precise location of al-Qaeda and Islamic State terrorist camps in remote areas. According to a 2022 report, 70% of surveillance operations against terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria used drones.
Increased efficiency in targeted strikes
Armed drones enable precise strikes against terrorist targets, reducing collateral damage. Unlike traditional air strikes, UAVs are equipped with laser guidance systems that increase precision. For example, a 2021 strike in Yemen using an MQ-9 Reaper neutralized an al-Qaeda leader without damaging nearby civilian infrastructure.
Drones are also capable of monitoring a target for hours, or even days, before taking action. This makes it possible to assess risks and limit casualties. In Afghanistan, drones helped reduce collateral damage during strikes by 30% compared with conventional methods.
However, these operations are not without controversy. In 2022, a report by the NGO Airwars estimated that more than 400 civilians had been accidentally killed in drone strikes over the past ten years, underlining the need for continuous improvement in targeting algorithms.
Reduced risks for ground troops
One of the major advantages of drones is that they reduce the risks incurred by soldiers. Drones enable crucial information to be gathered without the need to send ground troops into dangerous areas.
For example, during France’s Barkhane operation in the Sahel, drones were used to identify and neutralize threats before ground forces were deployed. This strategy has helped reduce casualties. In 2023, French forces carried out 85% of their reconnaissance missions in the Sahel using drones, thereby limiting the risks to their soldiers.
Drones can also be used to rapidly evacuate the wounded in conflict zones, thanks to specific models such as the K-MAX drone, capable of carrying loads of over 2,700 kg. These innovations reduce response times, thus increasing the chances of survival for the wounded.
Challenges and limits to drone use
Despite their many advantages, the use of drones in the fight against terrorism presents a number of challenges. First of all, the cost of acquiring and maintaining drones remains high. For example, an MQ-9 Reaper costs around 27 million euros, not including annual maintenance costs.
In addition, anti-drone technologies are developing rapidly, which may limit their effectiveness. In 2023, several armed groups used jammers to disrupt drone communications, reducing their ability to conduct operations. This forces armies to invest in countermeasures, further increasing operational costs.
Finally, the ethical issues surrounding the use of armed drones remain a matter of debate. Targeting errors and civilian casualties continue to attract criticism, necessitating greater international supervision to avoid abuses.
Drones have established themselves as an indispensable tool in the fight against terrorism. Thanks to their advanced surveillance capabilities and strike precision, they offer an effective solution for countering terrorist threats, while reducing the risks for troops on the ground. However, technical, financial and ethical challenges remain, requiring constant improvements in technology and regulations. In the future, their use will continue to evolve, playing a key role in global defense strategies.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.