ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
A recent insight by TRENDS Research and Advisory has highlighted a significant rise in the use of drones by non-state actors, such as armed groups and terrorist organisations, in recent years.
According to the insight written by TRENDS researchers Mohammed Gomaa and Sultan Al-Rubaie, 2023 witnessed the highest number of drone attacks by non-state actors, with 265 recorded incidents. These attacks have primarily targeted infrastructure, such as power stations and airports, in addition to performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
The insight notes that the Middle East and North Africa is the most vulnerable region to drone attacks by non-state actors, with 91.3% of these attacks occurring in it.
It also indicates that non-state actors are continually evolving their tactics for using drones. This includes deploying swarms of small drones, remote control operations, using drones for assassinations, and exploiting gaps in air defence systems.
These developments present new challenges to international efforts aimed at combating terrorism and organised crime.
The insight recommends several international measures to curb the spread of drones among non-state actors, including enhancing cooperation to combat their military use, improving air defence systems to detect and destroy drones, restricting the export of drone components, boosting intelligence sharing on drone use by non-state actors, and establishing international standards for regulating drone use.
It emphasises the need to address these challenges seriously to ensure international security and stability.