Drone warfare

Drone warfare is the use of remotely piloted or autonomous uncrewed aircraft for military surveillance, targeting, and attacks. It separates some operators from the battlefield and can extend observation and strike capabilities.

Unmanned aerial vehicle: An aircraft that operates without a pilot aboard, by remote control or onboard automation. The aircraft platform at the center of drone warfare.
Aerial reconnaissance: The collection of information about terrain, forces, or activity from aircraft. Uncrewed aircraft extend reconnaissance through long-duration observation.
Aerial target: An aircraft operated without a pilot to provide a target for weapons training. Early remotely controlled aircraft were developed chiefly for military training.
International humanitarian law: The body of law governing conduct during armed conflict and protecting people not participating in hostilities. Its rules on distinction and proportionality apply to drone attacks.
Autonomous weapon: A weapon system that can select and engage targets without further human intervention after activation. Most remotely piloted drones differ from weapons that choose and attack targets autonomously.
Remote piloting: Control of a vehicle by an operator who is physically separate from it. Operators steer many military drones from distant control stations.
Persistent surveillance: Continuous or repeated observation of an area over an extended period. Long-endurance drones can maintain watch over places that are difficult to monitor.
Radioplane OQ-2: A Second World War-era American radio-controlled target aircraft produced in large numbers. Its mass production demonstrated the military potential of inexpensive uncrewed aircraft.
Proportionality in international humanitarian law: A rule prohibiting attacks expected to cause civilian harm excessive in relation to anticipated military advantage. Remote precision does not remove the obligation to assess expected civilian harm.
Manned aerial vehicle: An aircraft designed to carry a human pilot aboard. Crewed aircraft place pilots in the operational theater; remote aircraft do not.

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