Miniature drones. A revolutionary approach to military tactics

19 March 2024 4 minutes Author: Murder

Miniature drones, often also called micro- or nano-drones, are compact unmanned aerial vehicles capable of performing a wide range of tasks due to their size and mobility. In a military setting, they can have a significant impact, providing a tactical advantage on the battlefield.

The main methods that make microdrones indispensable assistants in war

  • Intelligence and surveillance. Thanks to their small size, these drones can conduct reconnaissance invisibly, transmitting real-time images and videos of strategically important objects, enemy locations and their movements. This allows you to gather intelligence without directly involving a person in dangerous areas.

  • Targeting and correction of fire. By using drones to determine the coordinates of targets, the military can direct artillery fire or airstrikes more precisely, minimizing the risks to civilians and reducing the number of strike attempts required.

  • Counterintelligence operations. Miniature drones can detect and track enemy electronic assets such as radars and electronic warfare stations, providing valuable information about the enemy’s air defense system and its weaknesses.

  • Cargo delivery. Despite the size, some models can be adapted to deliver small loads, such as medicines or special equipment for units operating behind enemy lines or in hard-to-reach places.

  • Electronic warfare. Specialized mini-drones can suppress or spoof enemy communications and radars, creating an “electronic fog” that makes it difficult for the enemy to navigate and pinpoint targets.

  • Psychological action. The simple presence of drones in the air can demoralize the influence on the enemy, as well as be used to distribute propaganda materials or warn the civilian population about future military actions.

Miniature drone technologies continue to evolve, increasing their capabilities and applicability for military purposes. This includes improvements in autonomy, range, resistance to electronic jamming and group interaction capabilities, making them an even more valuable tool on today’s battlefield.

The best miniature drones used for military and reconnaissance purposes

Black Hornet Nano

Developed by Prox Dynamics, this miniature reconnaissance drone is used to capture video and still images in hard-to-reach and dangerous areas. It is equipped with cameras and can fly for up to 25 minutes.

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RQ-11 Raven

Developed by AeroVironment, it is a small, hand-held drone for surveillance and reconnaissance. With a flight range of about 10 km, the Raven is widely used by the US military and its allies.

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Ghost 4

Developed by Anduril Industries, it is an intelligent and modular drone designed for automated reconnaissance and surveillance missions using artificial intelligence.

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Switchblade 300

This is an unmanned aerial vehicle produced by AeroVironment, designed for pinpoint strikes on important targets with minimal collateral damage.

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PD-100 Black Hornet 3

This is the latest version of the Black Hornet, offering improved navigation and advanced reconnaissance capabilities for the military and special forces.

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Wasp III

Also developed by AeroVironment, the Wasp III is another hand-held reconnaissance and surveillance UAV that is capable of hovering and has a range of up to 5 km.

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DJI Mavic Mini

Although mostly used for civilian purposes, its portability and imaging capabilities make it useful for tactical reconnaissance and surveillance in military applications.

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FLIR SkyRanger R70

An advanced surveillance and reconnaissance drone with high mobility and long-range flight capability, designed for military and security operations.

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Parrot ANAFI USA

Focused on security and military use, ANAFI USA offers powerful surveillance capabilities with its advanced cameras and portability.

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T-Hawk Micro Air Vehicle

Developed by Honeywell, it is a vertical take-off and landing drone designed for reconnaissance and surveillance operations in urban environments.

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RoboBee

Developed by Harvard University, RoboBee is one of the smallest drones in the world, capable of flight and potentially suitable for pollination or micro-reconnaissance tasks.

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Systems Trinity F90

Outstanding for long and quiet reconnaissance missions, the Trinity F90+ combines advanced technology for accurate data collection with high mobility and range.

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