Drones of War
The definitive encyclopedia of military and defence drones
Featured Systems
View all →Harop
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) — MBT Division · Israel
The IAI Harop is a large loitering munition specialising in the suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD). Unlike most loitering munitions, it can home autonomously on enemy radar emissions, making it a system that radar operators cannot safely activate without risking destruction. Azerbaijan's deployment of Harop against Armenian air defences in 2020 demonstrated the weapon's strategic effect.
Lancet-3
ZALA Aero (Kalashnikov Group) · Russia
The Lancet-3 has become one of the most effective Russian weapons in Ukraine, destroying hundreds of artillery pieces, air defence systems, and armoured vehicles. Its electro-optical guidance with target lock-on and high-speed terminal dive distinguish it from simpler GPS-guided OWA-UAVs.
Switchblade 600
AeroVironment · United States
The AeroVironment Switchblade 600 is a tube-launched loitering munition designed for anti-armour missions, combining the persistence of a drone with the precision of a guided missile in a system light enough to be transported by a small team. Its deployment to Ukraine brought significant attention to the loitering munition concept as a complement to traditional anti-tank weapons.
Orion (UAV-S7)
Kronshtadt (Kronstadt Group) · Russia
The Kronshtadt Orion is Russia's first domestically-developed medium-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance and strike UAV to enter serial production. Its troubled development history and modest capability compared to Western equivalents reflect the broader challenges of Russia's UAV industrial base, which has relied heavily on imported components now subject to sanctions.
Heron TP (Eitan)
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) · Israel
The IAI Heron TP, known in Israeli Air Force service as the Eitan, is Israel's largest operational UAV and one of the most capable MALE ISR platforms available for export. With 36-hour endurance, a 1,000 kg payload, and civil airspace certification in multiple countries, it bridges the gap between tactical MALE systems and full HALE strategic reconnaissance.
RQ-4 Global Hawk
Northrop Grumman · United States
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is the United States' premier high-altitude, long-endurance reconnaissance UAV, able to survey 100,000 square kilometres of terrain per day from above 60,000 feet using multi-spectral sensors and AESA radar. It has reshaped strategic ISR operations since the early 2000s.
Guides & Explainers
View all →Drone Warfare: A Brief History
From Cold War reconnaissance missions to the mass Shahed-136 attacks on Ukrainian cities, the story of drone warfare spans eight decades of incremental development followed by a sudden strategic revolution. This is that story — the key moments, turning points, and what they mean for how wars are fought today.
Types of Military Drones Explained
Military drones are not a single category of weapon — they range from pocket-sized reconnaissance quadcopters to strategic systems the size of regional jets, with fundamentally different roles, capabilities, and operational concepts. This guide explains the main types, their defining characteristics, and examples of each.