Drones help armed forces monitor the environment with real-time video feeds, improve communications, assess risks and respond to threats. The primary applications include conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) activities, identifying security challenges, identifying and tracking targets, strike missions, acting as decoys, the suppression of enemy air defences and communication systems and for combat search and rescue (CSAR).

They are particularly useful in difficult or dangerous environments. As technology improves, there will be an increased use of drones for battlefield logistics. It is estimated that by 2030, up to 80% of military air capability could be remotely piloted or autonomous unmanned vehicles.