The Impact of One-Way Attack Drones on Modern Warfare

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:37:00 +0200

One-way attack drones, also called loitering munitions, have emerged as significant tools in modern warfare, combining low cost with advanced technology. Unlike traditional aircraft, these drones are designed to crash into targets rather than return, functioning similarly to guided missiles. They have been heavily used in conflicts such as the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as in the Middle East, particularly by Iran. Long-range drones, like Iran's Shahed-136, can strike targets up to 1,250 miles away at a fraction of the cost of conventional cruise missiles. Short-range drones, including first-person-view (FPV) systems, are operated like video games and are used to target frontline positions, vehicles, and fortifications. These technologies have enabled smaller militaries and militant groups to conduct precise attacks with mass effects, challenging traditional defenses. Ukraine has adapted by deploying nets along roads and key locations to counter FPV drone attacks. T