The ability to deploy a network of combat robots with the click of a button may seem like something out of a science-fiction novel, but it could soon become reality. According to the CEO of Draganfly, an aviation technology company, the advent of drones could have a much bigger impact on the battlegrounds of the future than the mighty tank.
The potential applications of drones on the battlefield are vast and varied. The idea of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor and respond to changing situations in real time is incredibly attractive to many in the military. Drones have the potential of significantly reducing the number of personnel that would be needed on a battlefield. What’s more, they can also provide a much more accurate overview of a situation than a higher-altitude Air Force pilot can ever hope to get.
Draganfly CEO Cameron Chell believes that advances in drone technology will have a much bigger impact on future wars than the tank – the most powerful technology of the last century. He says that, “The drone is the new tank, and it will dominate how future wars are fought.”
The ability for drones to easily navigate dangerous areas and provide a clearer picture of the battlefield to command centres makes them an invaluable asset to any military operation. It’s also possible that drones could be used to deliver medical supplies and even transport soldiers to safety during times of conflict.
In addition to their tactical advantages, drones also bring a new kind of cost-effectiveness to the battlefield. Chell explains that “Drones are inexpensive to producE and store, taking up half the space and often requiring far less maintenance than a traditional manned aircraft or ground vehicle.” In other words, a military could effectively deploy an attack force without using expensive and difficult to maintain tanks or aircraft.
The battlefields of the future may look very different from what we’ve come to expect in recent years. Rather than relying on the traditional tanks and aircraft – which are expensive and difficult to maintain – the military will increasingly turn to drones to fight its wars. These small, automated robots will not only provide a strategic advantage on the battlefield but also bring a new level of cost-efficiency to the military. As Chell puts it, “Drones will have a bigger impact on war than tanks ever did.”
