EPRS_BRI_2025_772885_EN.pdf — page 2

EPRS | European Parliamentary Research Service 
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Introduction 
Drones have become a dominant force in Russia's war against Ukraine, with their numbers reaching 
unprecedented levels. In May 2024, Ukraine's military leadership indicated that drones were the 
leading cause of casualties on both sides, stating that 'drones kill more soldiers than any other 
weapon'. At the start of 2024, Ukraine aimed to produce 1 million drones, later raising the target to 
4 million annually; Russia is reportedly keeping pace. Over 100 drone variants are in use, ranging 
from small hobbyist models to large, nearly 20-metre-wide unmanned aircraft. These drones serve 
multiple purposes, including reconnaissance, targeted strikes and guidance for other weapons 
systems. They are also used as decoys, communication relays and transport tools. Both nations 
manufacture their own drones, adapt civilian models, or source them from allies.  
The war's conditions have made drones essential, particularly as manned aircraft face strong air 
defences. Amidst Ukraine's ammunition shortages, drones have played a crucial role in sustaining its 
defence. Beyond aerial systems, Ukraine has deployed naval drones to target Russia's Black Sea 
fleet, successfully sinking several vessels. The country is working towards developing a dedicated 
fleet of these unmanned warships. Ground-based drones, while less advanced, are also being used 
for transport, reconnaissance and limited attacks.  
However, drones are not only prevalent in the war in Ukraine; they are now a common feature in 
conflicts worldwide, playing a significant role in the wars in Gaza, Israel and Lebanon, in the civil wars 
in Yemen, Sudan, Syria and Myanmar, and in the attacks on international vessels in the Red Sea. Their 
use is also expanding among non-state groups in the Middle East and Africa. Some view this trend 
as a ground-breaking transformation in warfare, while others consider it a natural progression of 
military technology. 
History of drones and their strategic impact 
The history of unmanned flight dates back approximately 180 years, when Austria used explosive-
filled balloons in an attack on Venice. In the early 20th century, the Wright Brothers – pioneers of 
manned aviation – also conducted unmanned flight experiments. By World War I, military strategists 
were already considering how to incorporate unmanned aircraft into warfare, and drone technology 
continued advancing through World War II. Nikola Tesla played a key role in the development of 
unmanned systems with his invention of a radio-controlled boat, which later influenced drone 
technology. By 1998, the first drone had successfully completed a transatlantic flight, covering the 
distance in nearly 27 hours using just 5.6 kg of fuel.  
Since the early 2000s, the United States (US) has conducted thousands of long-range drone strikes 
against high-value targets worldwide as part of its Global War on Terror. The conflict in Ukraine 
differs because of its extensive and diverse deployment of drones, which are constantly present 
over the frontlines, complicating troop and vehicle movements. In addition to frontline surveillance 
and attacks, drones are also being used for long-range strikes deep behind enemy lines, targeting 
airbases, naval shipyards and civilian infrastructure such as energy facilities and residential areas. 
While drones have undeniably altered the tactical dynamics of warfare, their broader strategic 
impact remains uncertain. Despite decades of US drone strikes in the Middle East and Afghanistan, 
militant threats persist. Similarly, the large-scale use of drones in Ukraine by both sides has not 
significantly altered the frontlines, raising questions about their long-term effectiveness in shifting 
the course of a conflict. The effectiveness of drones is heavily influenced by the defences deployed 
against them. Large aerial drones are susceptible to patrolling aircraft and surface-to-air missiles at 
high altitudes, while smaller quadcopters can be taken down by radar-guided anti-aircraft guns or 
even basic firearms at lower altitudes. Additionally, drones are vulnerable to electronic warfare 
(EW), which can disrupt their communication and navigation systems. Physical defences, such as 
nets and metal cages, also help mitigate the impact of drone attacks.  
According to experts from the European Union for Security Studies (EUISS) 'Drones may not be a 
magic bullet that will single-handedly turn the tide of war, but they are here to stay'. They note that