uncrewed aerial vehicle: Quick Facts

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Last updated

Nov. 15, 2026

News •

Terror from the skies: drones are redefining warfare in Sudan, and massacring its civilians • Nov. 14, 2026, 1:00 AM ET (The Guardian)

12 dead and dozens injured in Bulgarian motorway pile-up • Nov. 10, 2026, 5:35 AM ET (Euronews)

Nato’s eastern flank is preparing for tomorrow’s war today • Nov. 1, 2026, 2:00 AM ET (The Telegraph)

Saudi-led coalition: Drone launched by Houthis destroyed over Mecca • Oct. 30, 2026, 2:31 AM ET (Jerusalem Post)

'An annoying buzz': The search for stealthier drones • Oct. 27, 2026, 8:01 PM ET (BBC)

Facts

Also Known As	UAV • drone • unmanned aerial vehicle

Photos and Videos

Two soldiers from Ukraine's 93rd Brigade kneel on dry grass, preparing a large fiber optic drone for use in Donetsk Oblast.

Diagram of a quadcopter drone with labeled parts including propellers, motors, landing gear, and cameras, plus an inset showing the electronic components on the drone's frame or chassis.

MQ-1 Predator uncrewed aerial vehicle

Uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV)

Uncrewed aerial vehicle

General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, a U.S. Air Force reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle, landing at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, 2008.

Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout, a hovering unmanned aerial vehicle, approaching a U.S. Navy amphibious transport dock ship, 2006.

Drones: From World War II to today

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Topics

AQM-34 Firebee Drones Drone Warfare in the 21st Century U.S. Drone shot down by Iran military aircraft drone Bomber fighter aircraft attack aircraft torpedo plane trainer 11 of the World’s Most Famous Warplanes CG-4 Horsa

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