The Proliferation of Drone Technology

Recent conflicts around the world, as well as the rapid increase in consumer-grade drone use, have once again raised the topic of drone proliferation to the attention of various countries. Drone militarization research has also significantly advanced, and the role of drones in warfare and scientific research continues to evolve. China, for example, unveiled several key advancements in drone technology in 2021, including advanced software for hypersonic drones as well as more capable surveillance drones. With large, well-funded research programs, countries like China can indeed continue to pursue faster, deadlier drone technology. Concerns about commercially available drones have also expanded: US intelligence indicates that groups like the Islamic State and Yemen’s Houthi rebels have modified store-bought drones with explosives, making widely-available equipment deadly. High-tech research and clandestine modifications alike pose threats all around the world.

There also exist concerns regarding tangential effects of drone proliferation. Among these are the psychological effects of living in constant fear of drone attacks as well as the continued weaponization of other technologies, whereby drones are merely gateway technologies or justifications for other lethal technologies.

Yet, it is also just as important to consider the benefits of advanced drone technology: their use in scientific research is one such example. Recent research has shown that drones can successfully collect data in places where humans cannot and in timescales that would be difficult to manually observe. In Antarctica, for example, researchers observed changing landscapes and physical, chemical, and biological features. In such places, it would be difficult for on-the-ground researchers to conduct long-term research, and satellite technology might prove unsuitable. Such applications can indeed advance our understanding of issues that affect all countries — climate change, in this case.

As we prepare to draft ideas and solutions in committee session, it is important that we understand and thoughtfully consider the multifaceted nature of drone technology. Our main focuses include addressing the research, development, and use of drones in military and scientific contexts. To this end, questions we might continue to consider include how should the use of drones be regulated globally? How can we promote equitable access to the research and advancement of drone technology? What are areas in which drone technology can advance scientific research, and how can we promote such uses? What is the role of DISEC in this matter?

Best,

Justin Xu
Assistant Director