Drone strike facts for kids
A drone strike is when a special type of aircraft, called a unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) or a weaponized commercial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), attacks a target. These aircraft don't have a pilot inside. Instead, they are controlled by someone far away. A drone strike usually involves the drone firing a missile or dropping a bomb. These drones can carry different kinds of weapons, like precision-guided munitions, which are very accurate.
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What is a Drone Strike?
A drone strike happens when a drone, which is an aircraft without a human pilot, is used to attack a specific target. These drones are often called UAVs, which stands for "Unmanned Aerial Vehicles." They are controlled remotely by operators who might be thousands of miles away.
How Drones Attack
When a drone attacks, it usually fires a missile or drops a bomb. These weapons are often "smart," meaning they are guided to hit their target very precisely. This precision helps to reduce accidental damage to other areas. Drones can carry various types of weapons, like air-to-surface missiles, which are designed to hit targets on the ground.
Why are Drones Used?
Drones are used for several reasons in modern warfare. One main reason is safety. Since there's no pilot on board, human lives are not directly at risk during dangerous missions.
Advantages of Drone Use
- Safety for Operators: The people controlling the drones are far away from the danger zone.
- Precision: Drones can often hit targets very accurately, which is important in complex situations.
- Long Missions: Drones can stay in the air for many hours, watching an area or waiting for the right moment to act.
- Cost: Sometimes, using drones can be less expensive than sending in manned aircraft for certain missions.
History of Drone Strikes
Drone strikes have become more common in recent times. After the 9/11 attacks in the United States, countries like the U.S. began using drones more often.
Where Drones Have Been Used
The United States has used drone strikes in several countries. These include places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, and Yemen. These strikes were often aimed at stopping dangerous groups or specific threats. Other countries also use drones for similar purposes.
Images for kids
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Weaponizing of DJI Phantom commercial videography UAVs
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Turkish made Bayraktar TB2 at Baku Victory Parade of 2020, Azerbaijan
