What are the UAV risks and benefits?

• UAVs are often perceived as less dangerous than fighter jets due to their less capability and lack of direct human presence.
• This perceived lower level of threat can prevent conventional warfare but can also encourage risk-taking behaviors.
• Examples of this include the downing of American surveillance drones by Iran and Russia in 2019, where no major retaliation occurred.
• The perceived lower level of threat can encourage countries to use UAVs for missions due to lower costs and less drastic forms of retaliation.
• India faces the challenge of effectively dealing with UAVs, especially in relation to its neighbouring countries.
• In Pakistan, smaller propeller-powered UAVs are often used to transport arms and drugs across the border, with no accountability taken by the Pakistani government.
• Bangladesh recently deployed Turkish Bayraktar TB-2 UAVs near the Indian border for surveillance.
• As UAVs become integrated with military operations, Indian military strategy will need to evolve accordingly.