Making Drones Matter in the Disarmament Debate

The use of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), better known as drones, is significantly growing worldwide – both on and beyond the battlefield. From long-range explosive one-way military drones to widespread use of weaponised commercial drones and ongoing campaigns of extrajudicial killings with drones, State and non-state actors have fully incorporated drones into their military campaigns.

UAVs’ growing use, fuelled by their increasing accessibility due to the rapid technological advancements, is posing significant new challenges for maintaining peace and security. It raises questions over the adequacy of existing arms export controls and continues to challenge existing norms on the use of lethal force and protection of civilians. There is currently no comprehensive international framework to govern them, nor is there an established international policy platform at which to discuss the matter.

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