The Use of Uncrewed Aerial Systems by Non-State Armed Groups: Exploring Trends in Africa

Barbara Morais Figueiredo

"Learning High-Speed Flight in the Wild" © A. Loquercio et al, Science Robotics, 6 Oct 2021 ( YouTube)

Missiles and Drones

Missiles and drone technologies are developing rapidly, and their use is becoming more widespread.

Missiles continue to be the most suitable means of delivering WMD payloads, but cost reductions and improvements in guidance and accuracy have also led to greater use of ballistic missiles for conventional warfare. Hypersonic boost-glide systems and other quick and manoeuvrable weapons pose novel strategic threats.

Meanwhile, varieties of drones that were once considered high-end technologies for the chosen few, including long-range drones, are rapidly proliferating across the globe and play an increasingly important role in conflict zones.

UNIDIR is exploring strategies to enhance strategic predictability in relation to missiles and drones, including options for missile verification.