Drones have become a fundamental pillar in the ongoing conflict between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other. They are no longer just a support tool but have evolved into a key strategic asset that is reshaping the rules of engagement in the region.
Field data indicates an unprecedented increase in the use of these drones, with the Israeli National Security Studies Institute reporting that Iran has launched over 765 drones along with hundreds of missiles since the beginning of the conflict. This usage extends to multiple fronts, with more than 1600 missiles and drones being launched from Lebanon since early March, coinciding with Hezbollah's announcement of executing dozens of combined attacks that integrated missiles and kamikaze drones.
Details of the Event
These figures reflect a notable transition of drones from a limited tactical role to a strategic pressure tool that is used intensively across simultaneous fronts, exhausting defense systems and creating a continuous attrition state for the adversary. In this context, military and strategic expert Brigadier Elias Hanna points out that drones now represent "the air force for those who do not have one," enabling precise strikes at long distances with the capability for maneuvering and remote guidance.
The data presented by colleague Mohammed Ramal via the interactive screen on Al Jazeera illustrates that this style of combat is influenced by geographical factors, as the distance between Iran and Israel exceeds 1500 kilometers, imposing operational challenges but not preventing the execution of attacks.
Background & Context
Drones like the "Shahed 136" stand out as one of the most prominent examples of this transformation, characterized by their low cost and ability to reach distant targets, despite their relative slowness compared to more advanced drones used by Israel and the United States for reconnaissance and precision strikes. The impact is not limited to the nature of the targets but extends to the cost equation, as Hanna notes that downing a low-cost drone may require the use of expensive missiles, creating an economic gap in defense and attack balances.
In the operational field, FPV (First-Person View) drones have emerged as one of the most significant transformations, being used to target tanks and military vehicles with high precision, capable of tracking the target until the moment of impact. These drones add a new dimension to the battle, as they can disable targets accurately without the need to destroy them completely, enhancing their effectiveness in attrition warfare.
Impact & Consequences
These developments necessitate radical changes in military tactics, from camouflage methods to the structure of combat units, in an environment where hiding from drone eyes is increasingly difficult. Despite this shift, Hanna believes that drones do not win battles on their own, but they represent an effective tool for exhausting the adversary and keeping them in a state of constant alert.
In a related context, the strikes that have targeted Gulf countries reflect this geographical extension of the war, as drones targeted vital facilities, including the Shuwaikh port in Kuwait, resulting in material damage without human losses. Several countries have also announced intercepting dozens of missiles and drones, reflecting the transition of confrontation to a broader regional space, where these mediums are used as a tool to convey military messages beyond direct combat zones.
Regional Significance
These developments underscore the importance of enhancing the defensive capabilities of Arab countries, especially in light of the increasing threats posed by the use of drones in regional conflicts. There is also a pressing need to develop effective strategies to address these challenges, including improving air defense systems and developing anti-drone technologies.
In conclusion, the use of drones in regional conflicts appears to have fundamentally altered the equations of warfare, necessitating concerned countries to rethink their military and defense strategies to confront this new challenge.