Armed actors are dramatically escalating their use of unpiloted aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones. Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)’s Protection of Civilians Trends Report compiles and analyzes data on drone attacks. The most recent statistics are alarming. Data shows that drone attacks in conflict settings increased by an astonishing 4,000 percent between 2020 and 2024, and more than quadrupled from an estimated 4,525 attacks in 2023 to 19,704 in 2024.* With the Ukrainian armed forces set to triple their production of drones in 2025, overall drone usage is likely to set new records this year. Drones are now used across a broader range of conflicts than ever before, not only by states but increasingly by non-state armed groups. The expansion in drone use is fundamentally reshaping the way war is fought and, critically, how civilians experience harm. Major changes in technology and cost are driving the surge in drone use. At the start of the 21st century, U.S. military drones cost around $7 million each and had a wingspan of 66 feet. Many of the drones deployed in conflicts today are being commercially mass-produced and are available for purchase on Amazon for as little as $2,000. These small, hand-held commercial drones are deadly when outfitted with explosive or incendiary devices, or when used as loitering munitions. They are also highly expendable.
Drones are Changing How Wars Harm Civilians (Lauren Spink – Just Security)
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