The Challenge of Technology-Enabled Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Emerging Disruptive Technologies (EDTs) are fundamentally reshaping modern warfare, particularly in the field of military defence against drones. The rapid development of unmanned systems is creating new challenges that need to be met with innovative solutions. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, directed-energy weapons, and cyber warfare tools can play a key role in neutralising enemy drone threats. Artificial intelligence-based sensors and decision support systems can enable rapid detection and categorisation of drones, while directed energy weapons, such as lasers and microwave systems, can provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for their destruction. In addition, information operations tools such as electronic jamming and hacker attacks can be used to disrupt or take control of autonomous systems. The integrated use of these technologies could revolutionise the way we defend against drones and enable new strategies in modern theatres of war.