Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Warfare

Use of Unmanned Aerial Drones in Warfare

UAVs have become an important asset to the American military in recent years with their use for information gathering, and their hunter killer capabilities. In recent years drones have sparked many heated debates of whether their use are harming more civilians then terrorist, or of the legality of their use overseas. But with advancements in recent years in surveillance technology drones have become a great asset, completely revolutionizing modern warfare while also being one of the least expensive programs to maintain. Even though there is great bitterness for drones in the Middle East, their use today in modern warfare cannot be rivaled and must be continued.

Military UAVs in recent years have been called out for their targeting of possible non-combatants under Obama’s policy of “signature strikes”. Under this policy anyone under surveillance can be targeted if portraying certain behaviors that fit a terrorist’s profile. It is estimated that drone strikes are responsible for an estimated 4000 deaths in strikes located throughout Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia. Many of these deaths have been reported as non-militants, it is estimated that about 15% of people who die in drone strikes are civilians. But with recent advancement in surveillance technology UAVs are being equipped with sensors and monitors that make the targeting of militants more precise, lowering collateral damage. The MQ-9 Reaper drone is one of Americas flagship UAVs, equipped with cameras that can read a license plate from 2 miles away. The screening process has also undergone reform in the past few years mandating that a target must meet 5 criteria that greatly reduce accidental targeting of non- combatants. ...

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...lt to detect on radars allowing them to survey a large area without detection. The reaper can observe a 2x2 square mile area with the help of high-powered camera, and can survey over 40,000 square miles in a day. These capabilities are what make the UAV such a great asset to the American military.

UAVs in recent years have become a vital part of the American military with their use rising with demand. Even though there are many who disapprove of the use of drone in overseas conflicts the benefits that we receive are far more important. With their continued use we save many American lives both civilian and military, protecting citizens from terrorist organizations and keeping our troops out of harms way, while also being an economy safe solution. Ultimately UAVs are America’s silent guardians that grind away hours on end protecting Americas national security.