Journal Article - Quarterly Journal: International Security

Why Drones Have Not Revolutionized War: The Enduring Hider-Finder Competition in Air Warfare

    Authors:
  • Antonio Calcara
  • Mauro Gilli
  • Raffaele Marchetti
  • Ivan Zaccagnini
| Spring 2022

Summary

Some experts contend that drones can revolutionize war by shifting the offense-defense military balance, reducing asymmetries in military power, and reducing the need for ground forces. A new theory challenges this view, showing that drones are vulnerable to air and ground attacks and require costly equipment and trained operators. They can also be thwarted by an adversary hiding its ground assets.

For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office
For Academic Citation:

Antonio Calcara et al., "Why Drones Have Not Revolutionized War: The Enduring Hider-Finder Competition in Air Warfare," International Security, Vol. 46, No. 4 (Spring 2022), pp. 130–171, https://doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00431.

The Authors