Terrorist and Insurgent Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Use, Potentials, and Military Implications
Abstract
This manuscript focuses on the present threat posed by terrorist and insurgent use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as the associated future threat potentials identified. The work presents a counterintuitive analysis in the sense that armed drones are typically viewed as a component of America s conventional warfighting prowess not a technology that would be used against U.S. troops deployed overseas or against civilians back home. Utilizing a red teaming approach, the author, Dr. Robert J. Bunker, a past Minerva Chair at our institution, investigates the emerging threat of such UAV use. His unique analysis and creative approach, especially when related to the threat scenario variants generated, make for very informative reading. The work is divided into an introduction to the topical area, a UAV historical overview and discussion of present use by the U.S. military, a chronological narrative of terrorist and insurgent UAV use (and attempted use) from 1994 through 2015, the ensuing baselines and trending identified, and the foreseen potentials derived from these trends based upon tactical, operational, and strategic influencing scenarios, and the resulting military implications and suggested policy responses this will entail. The analysis not only has immediate value for Army force protection and counterterrorism programs, but also for research being conducted on projected robot-on-human force-onforce engagements in insurgency type environments, as well as strategic considerations related to emerging drone swarm concepts and the changing character of warfare as robot Landpower technologies evolve and are increasingly fielded.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA623134
Entities
People
- Robert J. Bunker
Organizations
- United States Army War College