Summary
Drones that are cheap and mass-produced have changed warfare by allowing smaller groups to challenge larger military powers. These drones, like Iran's Shahed, have been used in conflicts to disrupt operations and force responses from powerful nations. As a result, both countries and groups are using these drones to level the playing field in warfare.
Key Facts
- Cheap drones are being used by various nations and groups in warfare.
- Iran's Shahed drone can cost between $20,000 and $50,000.
- In the first week of a conflict, Iran fired nearly 2,000 drones at U.S. and allied targets.
- A drone attack on March 1 resulted in the death of six U.S. service members in Kuwait.
- Russia and Iran have both used or produced drones for their military operations.
- The U.S. has created its own drone after reverse-engineering it from Iranian models.
- The U.S. has deployed 10,000 interceptor drones called Merops, costing $14,000 each, to counter Iranian drones.
- Ukrainian specialists are currently helping U.S. and allied forces learn anti-drone tactics.
