Over the past year, the war between Russia and Ukraine has shown how important drones are in modern warfare. Both countries have used many small, cheap drones—especially one-time use drones like FPV (first-person-view) drones and loitering munitions. These drones are used to scout enemy positions or attack them and are not meant to be reused.
Why One-Time Use Drones Were Popular
In the early stages of the war, Ukraine quickly needed more drones. They used commercial parts and local tech companies to build drones fast. However, many early drones were easy for Russia to block or shoot down. So, Ukraine kept making new versions quickly. These disposable drones helped both sides in battle, and soon Russia used them too.
A Look at the Future: Reusable Drones
Now, companies like Teledyne-FLIR say the future of drone warfare should include reusable drones. Their idea is simple: many drones are wasted when they are jammed or don’t find a target. If these drones could come back safely, they could be used again.
One example is the Rogue 1, a reusable drone made by Teledyne-FLIR. It can carry different sensors or weapons, avoid jamming, and return if not used. While it costs more per drone, using it many times could save money in the long run.
Training and Swarming Benefits
Reusable drones also help with training. Instead of practicing on cheap or fake drones, soldiers can train with the real thing—just without live weapons. This improves their skills faster. These drones also work better in drone swarms—groups of drones working together on one mission. It’s easier to control swarms when using similar, long-lasting drones.
Challenges with Reusable Drones
However, reusable drones also have problems. Because they look and act the same each time, enemies might learn how to spot and shoot them down more easily. Also, because these drones are more expensive, commanders might be more careful about sending them into dangerous areas. This could reduce how often they’re used in high-risk missions.
A Mixed Approach Is Likely
Both one-time use and reusable drones have pros and cons. Disposable drones are cheap and fast to build. Reusable drones are better for training, long-term missions, and saving money over time. Most experts agree that future armies will need both types—choosing which to use depending on the mission.
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