COCKPITS TO CODES: UNCREWED (UNMANNED) AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVS) AND REVOLUTION IN MILITARY AFFAIRS

Abstract

Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have revolutionised the traditional concept of human-operated machines, bringing the idea of semi-autonomous, or centrally controlled, aircraft far from the target areas. The character and conduct of war have been fundamentally changed. The contemporary era of military warfare is reliant on advanced computational power, advanced sensing software, and stealth technology, which has led to the development of these UAVs. The proponents of UAVs argue that military forces have become smaller yet more effective and lethal, with enhanced projection capabilities that enable better Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). UAVs such as MQ-9 Reaper support ground soldiers in carrying out special operations with real-time monitoring. This paper aims to enhance the understanding of UAVs, examine their contributions in the military realm, and determine how they have altered warfare.