Military Drones: Shaping Modern Conflict and Security

Military drones have become pivotal in contemporary warfare, offering real-time surveillance, precision strikes, and strategic intelligence. Their deployment has transformed military operations across various conflict zones.

Russian Military Drones Attack on Ukraine

On April 23, 2025, a Russian drone attack struck a bus carrying workers in Marhanets, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine, killing nine people and injuring at least 30. This Russia attack on Ukraine is part of an escalating series of drone attacks that have targeted civilian infrastructure across the country. The latest wave of Russia's attacks on Ukraine extended beyond Marhanets, with additional drone strikes reported in Synelnykivskyi, Poltava, Odesa, and Kharkiv, leading to more civilian injuries and widespread fires. These repeated drone attacks by Russia continue to highlight the severe humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict, as Ukrainian cities and towns grapple with the destruction of essential services and infrastructure due to Russia’s drone warfare tactics. The Russia vs Ukraine conflict shows no signs of de-escalating, with civilian regions increasingly bearing the brunt of aerial assaults.

Indian Military Drones in Counter-Terrorism

In response to escalating threats, the Indian Army has integrated advanced military drones into its counter-terrorism operations. Notably, on February, 2025, the Indian Army inducted 'Kamikaze' military drones in Jammu and Kashmir to enhance its surveillance and strike capabilities against insurgent threats.

A terrorist attack on April 22 2025 in Pahalgam Jammu and Kashmir resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists as well as multiple injuries among the victims. Security forces of India implemented quick surveillance methods that possibly included drone technology to follow attackers through Pahalgam’s challenging hilly landscape. Several reports noted India’s rising surveillance drone use for counter-terrorism which might have helped identify insurgent locations for quick military intervention.

Global Trends in Military Drones Utilization

The strategic importance of military drones is reflected in global defense spending. According to NATO data, member countries have increased UAV spending by 26% in the past year, with over 50 countries actively operating military drone’s fleets. These drones are not only employed for offensive operations but also play vital roles in humanitarian missions, search-and-rescue efforts, and logistics in conflict zones.

Medical Drones: Transforming Emergency Healthcare

Beyond warfare, Medical drones are revolutionizing how healthcare is delivered, especially in rural and disaster-prone regions. Their value lies in the ability to transport critical supplies such as vaccines, blood samples, and emergency kits within minutes across long distances or treacherous landscapes.

One such example comes from India, where BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) trials were conducted in the state of Karnataka. These trials proved successful in delivering vaccines and medicines to remote tribal villages, slashing delivery times from 3 hours to just 30 minutes. This innovation has been backed by India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). According to Acumen Research and Consulting, the global medical drone market was valued at USD 285.7 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1,429.3 million by 2032, expanding at a robust CAGR of 20.1% between 2024 and 2032.

Internationally, Sweden and the Netherlands have tested drones equipped with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to respond to cardiac arrests. A study published by the European Resuscitation Council found that drone delivery reduced AED arrival times by more than 4 minutes, drastically increasing survival chances in time-critical situations.

In terms of numbers, according to the World Health Organization, up to 16% of global maternal deaths could be prevented with timely access to blood transfusions and emergency medication areas where drones are stepping in to fill healthcare gaps.

Drone technology in healthcare isn't limited to delivery. Some devices now come with temperature-controlled compartments, GPS tracking, and AI-powered route optimization. For countries dealing with poor infrastructure, harsh terrain, or conflict zones, these drones provide a low-cost, scalable solution to bridge gaps in health service delivery.

Agricultural Drones: Optimizing Farming Practices

In the agricultural sector, drones are becoming indispensable tools for precision farming, crop monitoring, and pesticide spraying. The global agricultural drones market is projected to generate USD 29.9 billion in revenue by 2032, growing at a remarkable CAGR of 34.9% from 2023 to 2032. As of 2024, the Indian government reported that more than 3,000 drones were being actively used in agriculture, with the number expected to more than double by the end of 2025.

Agricultural drones, which often include Multirotor Drones, allow farmers to capture aerial imagery, assess crop health, and apply fertilizers or pesticides with pinpoint accuracy. This helps reduce resource wastage, increase yields, and lower labor costs. According to the Indian Ministry of Agriculture, drone spraying reduces pesticide usage by up to 30% and increases crop yield by 15-20% on average.

One significant initiative, the Namo Drone Didi scheme, empowers 15,000 women’s self-help groups by providing them with drones and training. This initiative not only promotes inclusive technological adoption but also creates employment opportunities in rural areas. It marks a major push toward integrating drone technology into traditional sectors and achieving gender-inclusive growth.

In support of drone-based farming, the government has approved 477 pesticides for drone application, creating a safe regulatory pathway for widespread use. Countries like Japan and China are also seeing similar trends, with over 30% of rice cultivation in China now managed using UAV-based technology.