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Goonch

(4,969 posts)
3. Expensive Consequences: The New Economics of War
Sun Mar 22, 2026, 07:57 AM
Sunday

"The democratization of drone warfare

When Ukrainian soldiers began destroying Russian tanks with inexpensive quadcopters, the economics of warfare shifted suddenly. At the same time, Iranian drones appeared on Middle Eastern battlefields ranging from Yemen to Lebanon, while non-state actors such as the Houthis and Hezbollah started their own aerial attacks. Airpower, formerly the sole domain of advanced militaries, is fast becoming available to a considerably broader spectrum of entities. The proliferation of drones, which are increasingly powered by artificial intelligence, is altering combat in ways that governments are only beginning to comprehend.

For most of the twentieth century, airpower was one of the most costly components of military strength. Fighter jets, strategic bombers, and advanced missile systems necessitated massive financial investments, highly skilled personnel, and sophisticated logistical support networks. Only great military forces had the ability to sustain these capabilities.

Drone technology is changing the equation.

Commercial drones are readily available and becoming increasingly powerful. With little changes, they can be used for monitoring, targeting, and even direct attacks. Artificial intelligence is also helping to improve these systems. Drones may use AI to recognise objects, track targets, avoid obstacles, and navigate complex settings. Analysts often refer to the marriage of AI and drones as one of the most significant technological developments in modern warfare, particularly in debates about autonomous weapons systems and emerging military technologies.

The end result is a new type of aerial capability that is less expensive, more adaptable, and much more accessible than traditional airpower.".........
https://www.thecipherbrief.com/cheap-drones-expensive-consequences

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