An Examination of Drone Warfare: Ethics and Execution
The Context: A Shift in Warfare
In the realm of warfare, the advent of drone technology has sparked intense discussions about ethics, strategy, and legality. When poet John Lyly famously stated in 1579 that “the rules of fair play do not apply in love and war,” one wonders how relevant this sentiment remains today, especially with the evolving landscape of modern combat.
The Rising Role of Drones
Dylan Palmer, a senior majoring in computer science at the Virginia Military Institute, has taken a deep dive into this complex topic through his honors thesis titled “Drone Countermeasures, Ethics, and Drones’ Effects on a Modern Battlefield.” Palmer argues that unmanned systems fundamentally change the dynamics of warfare. They allow operators to conduct missions with significantly reduced risks, moving soldiers out of dangerous combat zones.
“Drones are deployed because they can be operated remotely and drastically lower the risks for personnel,” Palmer explains. The advances in technology, including 3D printing, have resulted in lighter, more efficient drone designs. As a result, these small airframes have flooded the battlefield, providing tactical advantages previously unimaginable.
The Mechanics of Drone Warfare
Palmer highlights the multi-faceted roles that drones play in modern conflicts. Their ability to execute powerful strikes while also conducting reconnaissance can minimize collateral damage, adding a layer of precision that traditional weapons often lack. However, with increased utility comes a plethora of ethical questions about their use.
The ongoing conflicts in regions like Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and Israel serve as current case studies. Palmer focused primarily on the Russo-Ukrainian war, illustrating how drones have become essential, though not sufficient, for victory. “While drones can assist in neutralizing threats and gathering intelligence, they cannot seize territory on their own,” he remarks.
The Innovation of Commercial Drones
In modern warfare, commercial drones have found their way into combat. Palmer notes that both Russia and Ukraine have utilized these versatile devices, which have transformed our understanding of aerial strategies. “Before the rise of drones, helicopters dominated the lower airspace,” he says, emphasizing that this shift has turned the air above into a “minefield.”
The integration of drones complicates traditional military operations, making it challenging to deploy larger aircraft without risk. Palmer points out the alarming instances where drones have been employed to target other aircraft, creating new complexities in air warfare.
Drone Categories and Their Uses
NATO categorizes drones based on specific criteria: weight, payload capacity, and operational range. This classification results in three primary types: light contact drones (less than 150 kg), tactical drones (150-600 kg), and larger attack drones (over 600 kg). In conflicts like the Russo-Ukrainian war and the Israel-Hamas confrontation, loitering munitions—often referred to as kamikaze or suicide drones—have gained notoriety. These drones scout areas before executing their missions, delivering a psychological blow to enemy troops alongside their destructive capabilities.
Countermeasures: Navigating the Drone Landscape
With the explosion of drone use in combat zones, the need for effective countermeasures has become paramount. Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) serve to detect or incapacitate hostile drones. Palmer estimates that around 1,000 of these systems are currently operational, employing a variety of detection methods including radar, infrared, and high-power microwave systems. The layered approach for C-UAS enables military forces to tackle drone threats effectively, albeit at a significant financial cost due to the complexities involved.
Ethical Considerations in Drone Warfare
As technology advances, ethical ramifications must be considered. Is it fair to subject drones to the same legal scrutiny as traditional weapons? Palmer believes they should be. Despite their advantages in minimizing collateral damage, the total risk of injury or loss of life can never be fully mitigated. Drones have become indispensable in modern warfare, fundamentally altering the strategies employed in military conflicts.
Acknowledging Academic Contributions
Palmer’s research and insights have not gone unnoticed. His advisor, Amish Parikh, an instructor in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, praised Palmer’s detailed exploration of drone technology. “He examined the distinct aspects of drone capabilities, including innovative uses like kamikaze operations,” Parikh commented, reflecting the growing academic interest in this critical area of study.
Palmer’s Journey and Future Aspirations
Dylan Palmer hails from Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and has a background from Fishburne Military School in Virginia. After graduation, he plans to commission into the U.S. Army, where his insights into modern warfare and drone technology will undoubtedly benefit the strategic landscape.
About the Author
Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
Virginia Military Institute