5 Best books on Military drones

December 05, 2023 | Author: Maria Lin
Here is may list of 5 most interesting books about battlefield drones:

1. Swarm Troopers: How small drones will conquer the world



Explore the upcoming revolution in military innovation that promises to upend the established order, pitting hundred-million-dollar jets against swarms of affordable flying robots. In this captivating and enlightening journey, technology journalist David Hambling seamlessly blends historical insights, intriguing anecdotes, and revealing statistics with incisive analysis. Delve into the evolution of drone swarms, the history of drone warfare, and the displacement of large drones like the Predator by smaller unmanned aircraft. Hambling examines the role of consumer electronics, swarm software, miniaturized munitions, and energy-harvesting in shaping the future, enabling small drones to achieve precision, lethality, and invincibility. Uncover the inadequacies of existing defenses against these evolving threats and contemplate the profound implications of drone swarms on the balance of power and the nature of future conflicts. Prepare to be surprised by the winners and losers in this transformative era.

2. Army of None: Autonomous Weapons and the Future of War



Enter the era of autonomous weaponry—a reality wherein over thirty nations deploy weapons capable of autonomously seeking and eliminating enemy targets. Paul Scharre, a renowned authority on next-generation warfare, delves into the realm of high-tech weapon systems, ranging from Israel's Harpy drone to the U.S. submarine-hunting robot ship, Sea Hunter. In "Army of None," Scharre explores the legal and ethical considerations surrounding these advancements. Hailed as "a smart primer to what’s to come in warfare" by Bruce Schneier, the book navigates through military history, global policy, and cutting-edge science to dissect the implications of granting weapons the autonomy to make life-and-death decisions. Drawing on his own military background, Scharre contends that while technology can enhance the precision and humanity of war, there is no substitute for the human heart when confronted with choices of life and death.

3. The Drone Wars: Pioneers, Killing Machines, Artificial Intelligence, and the Battle for the Future



The landscape of warfare is undergoing a radical transformation propelled by the integration of artificial intelligence, drone swarms, and surveillance technologies, setting the stage for a fierce competition among global powers such as the US, China, Israel, and Iran. In this dynamic environment, the race to become the next drone superpower unfolds. The burgeoning capabilities of drones raise concerns as they extend beyond traditional battlefields, posing potential threats to critical infrastructure like nuclear power plants and civilian airports. As the drone industry becomes a significant economic force, with an estimated $100 billion slated for spending in the next decade, the trajectory of warfare is shifting. Much like naval transitions from colossal battleships to agile ships, military spending on drones may soon surpass that on traditional tanks. The future of warfare hinges on technological sophistication, and the victors will be those who wield the most advanced drone capabilities.

4. Poor Man's Air Force: A guide to how small drones might be used in domestic unrest or low intensity conflicts



An insightful exploration rooted in factual information and practical experiences, this work delves into the diverse applications and techniques of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. The evolving use of drones is reshaping the tactical dynamics of warfare, akin to historical game-changers such as smokeless powder, repeating firearms, tanks, and radios. Unlike mere rhetorical discussions, this book goes beyond theoretical considerations, examining the tangible applications of drones by citizens, partisans, and soldiers. The year 2022 witnessed a paradigm shift when Ukraine employed modified consumer-grade drones for offensive purposes, surprising a world accustomed to their traditional roles in intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance. The emergence of alarming footage depicting grenades dropped on unsuspecting troops heralded a new and unsettling reality in warfare—the advent of the "poor man’s air force."

5. The Arms of the Future: Technology and Close Combat in the Twenty-First Century



Witness the swift evolution of warfare as sensor-fuzed munitions, autonomous weapons, ground moving target indication radar, laser vibrometers, and artificial intelligence redefine the arsenal of the twenty-first century. In "The Arms of the Future," we delve into the analysis of how these innovative weapons systems are not only reshaping the battlefield but also influencing the risks and opportunities that arise. Drawing from extensive practical observation and experimentation, this book dissects the operational challenges presented by new weapons and explores how military forces can be strategically organized to surmount these challenges. Against the backdrop of escalating defense spending within NATO and the complexities of conflicts with Russia, the author, Watling, delves into the profound questions surrounding the nature of a truly 'modern' war. This insightful exploration extends beyond the examination of the arms themselves, contemplating how these weapons can be effectively deployed and utilized to endure and triumph in the wars of the future.

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Author: Maria Lin
Maria Lin, is a seasoned content writer who has contributed to numerous tech portals, including Mashable and bookrunch, as a guest author. She holds a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of California, where her research predominantly concentrated on mobile apps, software, AI and cloud services. With a deep passion for reading, Maria is particularly drawn to the intersection of technology and books, making book tech a subject of great interest to her. During her leisure time, she indulges in her love for cooking and finds solace in a good night's sleep. You can contact Maria Lin via email maria@bookrunch.com