The first lethal drone strike, widely acknowledged, occurred 24 years ago in Afghanistan. It targeted an al-Qaeda convoy using a Predator UAV just nine weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks. This strike eliminated Mohammed Atef, the son-in-law of Osama bin Laden and the head of the group’s military operations, showcasing the increasing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in 21st-century warfare.
While larger and costly fixed-wing drones like the Predator and Reaper continue to have significance, recent focus has shifted towards smaller, cheaper, and sometimes disposable drones due to the Ukraine conflict. The Canadian Armed Forces, for instance, are adapting to this change and are investing in advancing drone technology.
The conflict in Ukraine has revolutionized warfare, particularly in the domain between the ground and 1,000 meters in the air, known as the ‘air littoral.’ The dominance of this space by helicopters has been challenged by the rapid advancements in drone technology witnessed in conflicts like the Nagorno-Karabakh war and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In response to these developments, the Canadian military is striving to keep pace with the evolving nature of warfare. They have initiated challenges to Canadian drone manufacturers through the Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC) program to foster innovation in drone technology.
The shift towards smaller drones signifies a departure from traditional military procurement processes that have historically focused on high costs and lengthy timelines. Ukraine, for example, has decentralized drone production into small workshops, utilizing innovative methods like 3D printing for efficient and rapid production.
The Canadian Forces are keen on harnessing this innovative energy and have been exploring cutting-edge solutions in drone interception and control. The evolution of drone technology has led to advancements in various domains, including maritime drones for naval operations and mid-sized aerial drones for casualty evacuation and supply missions.
Drones have emerged as a cost-effective battlefield equalizer, enabling smaller forces to counter opponents with superior vehicular and aerial strength. The successful utilization of drones in conflicts like the Ukraine war underscores their strategic importance in modern warfare scenarios.
Furthermore, Canada’s proactive stance in recognizing the potential of drone technology and creating conducive regulatory environments positions it favorably to become a key player in the international drone industry. The convergence of drones, robots, and artificial intelligence presents significant opportunities for Canada to establish itself as a global leader in this rapidly evolving sector.