Nuclear Mission of Drones

Rajiv Nayan

Dr Rajiv Nayan is Senior Research Associate at Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA), New Delhi. He has been working with the Institute since 1993, where he… Continue reading Nuclear Mission of Drones read more

Drones are increasingly proving their relevance in a number of areas, including military. These unmanned systems could also have utility for different missions relating to nuclear science and technology. Although drones have demonstrated their usefulness in radiation monitoring in 1940s, yet their role as delivery vehicles is being debated. The weight, range, speed and endurance factors make a nuclear weapon country to prefer missiles and bombers. Technology is progressing very fast, and drones are taking advantage of the rapid developments in new technologies. Tomorrow, drones may be considered relevant for delivering at least some categories of nuclear weapons if these technological advancements result in enhancing the required capabilities
of drones. However, even with the existing technological level, these unmanned systems are useful not merely for surveillance of adversary’s nuclear facilities and assets but also for nuclear safety and security.

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