Chrome360 | THE FUTURE OF AIR POWER | Back to the Future: Drones & Science Fiction | Ulrike Franke
Jul 30, 2018
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In a captivating discussion, Ulrike Franke, a Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations and an expert in military drone usage, dives into the evolution of drones in warfare. She highlights how military drones are reshaping combat and surveillance strategies in Europe and beyond. Ulrike also connects innovative drone projects in nations like France and Germany with themes from science fiction, revealing how narratives in popular culture influence perceptions of future technologies in warfare.
Military drones are employed by 90 to 100 countries for diverse operations beyond the US focus on targeted killings.
Emerging drone technology is essential for future warfare, requiring advancements in autonomy and stealth to enhance effectiveness.
Deep dives
Global Use of Military Drones
Military drones are utilized by approximately 90 to 100 countries, with a significant number employing them for operations distinct from the United States. While the US predominantly uses armed drones for targeted killings, nations like Germany and the UK have focused on surveillance capabilities, with Germany currently considering the addition of armed drones to its arsenal. This diversity in drone operations illustrates that the narrative of drones revolutionizing warfare may overlook the broader context of their use. Understanding these various applications is crucial as different countries have developed their own operational frameworks and policies around military drones.
Revolutionary Aspects of Drones
Drones provide unprecedented surveillance capabilities, offering continuous monitoring that has transformed the dynamics of warfare. They allow military personnel to track individuals and vehicles from above, creating an environment where real-time information is readily available to armed forces, enhancing situational awareness. The detachment of drone operators, such as US pilots controlling missions from Nevada, alters the traditional perception of combat, bridging the gap between remote operation and direct engagement. Furthermore, ground soldiers benefit from their own drones, increasing their capacity to understand and navigate the battlefield effectively.
The Future of Drones in Conflict
The evolving landscape of drone technology suggests that they will play a significant role in both asymmetric conflicts and potential great power confrontations. Commercially available drones are increasingly being utilized by non-state actors and insurgent groups, indicating that drone warfare is not limited to traditional military forces. For drones to be effective in larger scale conflicts, they will need to become more autonomous and stealthy, addressing their current vulnerabilities. Ongoing projects in Europe, such as the Euromail and Tyrannus, aim to usher in advanced drones that can better meet the demands of future warfare.
ULRIKE FRANKE, Policy Fellow at the EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS (ECFR), on the increasing use of drones in military operations, and the importance of science fiction.
RECORDED at the conference on THE PRESENT AND FUTURE OF AIR POWER, held on 8-9 May 2018 at the UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS.
PRODUCTION | ChromeRadio in partnership with the INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF WAR AND STRATEGY, SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS | Producer - Catriona Oliphant | Post-production - Chris Sharp.
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