Terrorist Groups’ Use of Drones: A Detailed Overview

The increasing availability of drone technology has allowed terrorist groups to adopt unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various purposes, including surveillance, propaganda, and offensive operations. These groups, often backed by state actors like Iran and Russia, have deployed drones in conflict zones across the Middle East, Africa, and other regions. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the drones used by terrorist groups, their capabilities, and the impact they have had on global security.

1. Iranian Drones

Iran has been a key player in the development and deployment of drones for both state and non-state actors. Iranian drones, particularly the Shahed series, have been widely used in conflicts, including in Ukraine and by regional proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas.

Shahed-136 (Geran-2)

• Capabilities: Long-range loitering munition, capable of precision strikes.
• Usage: Supplied to Russia, used in Ukraine to target critical infrastructure.
• Impact: Significant damage to energy infrastructure in Ukraine.

Shahed-149 (‘Gaza’)

• Capabilities: Advanced reconnaissance and precision strikes.
• Usage: Deployed by Iran for high-value military targets.
• Impact: Enhanced Iran’s military capabilities in surveillance and combat.

Karrar

• Capabilities: Jet-powered drone with a 500lb payload.
• Usage: Used by Iran in multiple conflicts, versatile in combat.
• Impact: Effective in delivering payloads over long distances, supporting military operations.

2. Russian Drones

Russia has increasingly relied on drones in conflicts like the Ukraine war, often with Iranian collaboration.

Geran-2 (Shahed-136)

• Capabilities: Precision strikes, developed with Iranian support.
• Usage: Used in the Ukraine conflict.
• Impact: Significant damage to Ukrainian infrastructure.

Albatross UAV

• Capabilities: Reconnaissance and surveillance.
• Usage: Deployed for battlefield intelligence in Ukraine.
• Impact: Provided critical intelligence for artillery strikes.

3. Hezbollah and Houthi Drones

Supported by Iran, Hezbollah and the Houthi militia have utilized drones for surveillance and offensive operations.

Hezbollah Drones

• Capabilities: Surveillance and offensive UAVs.
• Usage: Used against Israel for border surveillance and attacks.
• Impact: Increased Hezbollah’s asymmetric warfare capabilities.

Houthi Drones

• Capabilities: Strategic targeting and long-range attacks.
• Usage: Deployed against Saudi oil facilities.
• Impact: Disrupted oil production, caused economic damage.

4. ISIS and Other Non-State Actors

Various non-state actors, including ISIS and Mexican drug cartels, have used drones for attacks and surveillance.

ISIS Drones

• Capabilities: Modified commercial drones for attacks.
• Usage: Used DJI Phantom drones in Syria and Iraq.
• Impact: Enabled low-cost attacks on military positions.

Al-Shabaab Drones

• Capabilities: Fixed-wing UAVs for surveillance.
• Usage: Deployed in Somalia against government forces.
• Impact: Sustained insurgencies, destabilizing regions.

Mexican Cartels

• Capabilities: Drones with explosives for attacks.
• Usage: Deployed against rivals in Mexico.
• Impact: Escalated violence in cartel conflicts.

5. Support and Training

Iran and Russia provide technology and training to non-state actors, enhancing their drone capabilities. For example:

• Iran supplies Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis with drone technology and offers training to operate and modify UAVs for combat missions.
• Russia collaborates with Iran in the production of drones like the Geran-2 and provides training to Syrian forces on drone operations, increasing their ability to conduct surveillance and precision strikes.

Counterterrorism Efforts

The increasing use of drones by terrorist groups has led to significant counterterrorism efforts worldwide. Governments are enacting legislation and developing counter-drone technologies to prevent terrorist groups from using drones for attacks.

United States Drone Strikes

• Capabilities: The U.S. uses armed drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper to conduct targeted strikes against terrorist leaders in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
• Impact: U.S. drone strikes have been effective in reducing the operational capabilities of terrorist organizations by eliminating key leaders and disrupting logistical networks.

UK and Allies Counterterrorism Efforts

• Capabilities: The UK, along with NATO allies, has invested in AI-enabled swarm drones and electronic warfare systems to counter drone threats posed by both state and non-state actors.
• Usage: These systems are deployed in conflict zones to protect military personnel and infrastructure from drone attacks.
• Impact: These counter-drone measures have been critical in neutralizing UAV threats.

Legislative Efforts: Combating Foreign Terrorist Drones Act

• Overview: Governments, such as the U.S. Senate, have introduced acts like the Combating Foreign Terrorist Drones Act of 2024 to prevent foreign terrorist organizations from acquiring drone technology.
• Key Provisions: Restricting the export of commercial drone components and monitoring the import of drone technologies.
• Impact: Expected to limit terrorist groups’ access to advanced drones, making it harder for them to carry out attacks.

Examples of Use and Impact of Drones by Terrorist Groups

Shahed-136 (Geran-2)

• Example: Used by Russian forces in the Ukraine conflict to target infrastructure like power plants.
• Impact: Demonstrated the effectiveness of low-cost drones in asymmetric warfare.

DJI Phantom 4 (ISIS)

• Example: ISIS modified DJI Phantom drones for explosive attacks in Syria and Iraq.
• Impact: Allowed ISIS to conduct low-cost attacks and gather intelligence.

Hezbollah Drones Against Israel

• Example: Hezbollah launched drone operations against Israeli military targets.
• Impact: Enabled Hezbollah to conduct cross-border incursions and increase surveillance.

Houthi Drone Strikes on Saudi Oil Facilities

• Example: Houthi forces used drones to attack Saudi oil facilities, causing temporary disruption.
• Impact: Demonstrated how drones can be used to cause economic damage and instability.

Mexican Cartels Using Drones for Smuggling

• Example: Mexican cartels used drones to smuggle drugs and conduct aerial attacks on rival factions.
• Impact: Increased the scale of violence in cartel conflicts and bypassed border security.

Conclusion: The Growing Threat of Terrorist Drones

The increasing use of drones by terrorist organizations poses a serious threat to global security. State-backed militias receiving support from Iran and Russia have made it easier for groups like Hezbollah, ISIS, and the Houthis to adopt drone warfare tactics. As a result, counterterrorism efforts must focus on developing counter-drone technologies and legislation to limit terrorist access to drones.

In conclusion, international cooperation and advancements in counter-drone technology are essential to prevent terrorist groups from gaining the upper hand in modern warfare.