Once viewed as a nuisance on the battlefield, drones have evolved into a significant operational challenge in modern warfare. Their widespread use has forced militaries to adapt how they fight, challenging assumptions about the role and survivability of large, expensive platforms.
At sea, the growing use of uncrewed systems is reshaping the threat environment. Recent conflicts have shown how relatively inexpensive technologies can damage high-value assets, disrupt operations and drive changes in naval tactics and force protection.
“Quite simply, it’s evolved very rapidly,” said Commander Phillip Durand, one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) experts in maritime counter-drone operations.
He points to the 2020 conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia as a turning point in how the world viewed the threat posed by drones.
“Azerbaijan employed a mix of armed drones, loitering munitions and remotely piloted explosive aircraft,” Durand noted. “They overwhelmed Armenian air defenses, giving Azerbaijan control of the airspace. What had been a longstanding stalemate shifted decisively in about a month.”
