Military drones have revolutionsed the modern conflicts between the countries in the recent decades and have become indispensable tools in the global conflicts. These drones have significantly altered the dynamics of the battlefield from the Nagorno-Karabakh war, Syrian Civil war to Russia-Ukraine tensions. Drones become an integral part to military operations where these countries are shaping the future of warfare ultimately enhancing the global military presence and influence.
Global powers are continuously investing in drone technology to maintain an edge in both conventional and asymmetric warfare.These combat air vehicles are used to perform several missions such as surveillance, enemies striking and jamming signals. Countries with the most military drones in the world are ranked in order of the fleet size of drones. Here are the countries with the world’s most military drones as per Power Atlas and The Drone Databook.
Top countries leading drone technology
Most military drone countries in the world
United States
The US possesses the most powerful military globally that makes it leading in drone capabilities. The US holds over 13000 unmanned aerial vehicles making Us the largest military drone fleet globally. Over 60% of the US military drone fleet consists of AeroVironment RQ-11 Ravens that are mainly used for aerial surveillance and target acquisition. The U.S. Air Force operates 275 MQ-9 Reaper drones and 134 MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones, both from General Atomics, along with 36 RQ-4 Global Hawk drones developed by Northrop Grumman.
Turkey
Turkey holds the second largest military drone fleet in the world as per Power Atlas. Turkey leads in one of the leading countries in drone technology, it is home to the medium-altitude long-endurance UAV Bayraktar TB2 as one of the most effective military drones. Not only Turkey uses Bayraktar TB2 but countries like Azerbaijan, Qatar and Ukraine also utilise.
Poland
The list with most military drones in the world, constitutes Poland securing third position in operating a fleet that includes over a thousand Warmate loitering munition UAVs developed by WB group. These are the lightweight drones that are utilised by the Polish armed forces for various security missions. Additionally, Poland has 40 Orlik PGZ-19R and 45 Orbiter unmanned aerial vehicles in its inventory.
Russia
Orlan-10, one of the domestically produced drone fleet, is mainly employed for reconnaissance missions. Russia possesses over 30 Searcher Mk II drones acquired from Israel in 2013. In response to the conflict with Ukraine, Russia is ramping up with the development of Long-range attack drones to enhance the capabilities and compete with the US in the area of conflict.
Germany
Germany ranks among the most powerful nations in Europe which boasts a fleet of 670 military drones which are utilised for various purposes including surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and striking enemy targets.
India
India holds the sixth place with almost 625 military drones including 600 Spylite models introduced in 2019. The country also acquired 10 Heron 1 drones from Israel. All the current drones are of Israeli origin, further solidifying its position as one of the leading operators of military UAVs globally.
France
France has a fleet of approx 591 military drones placing France in the list of countries with most military drones in the world. It includes Spy’Ranger UAVs from Thales, 11 Safran Patroller drones from Sagem, and 12 MQ-9 Reapers procured from the US. The country’s Système de Drones Aérien de la Marine (SDAM) program is also working on the development of unmanned rotorcraft for use aboard French Navy frigates.
Australia
According to Power Atlas and The Drone Databook, Australian military drone totals approx 557. This includes PD-100 Black hornet 350 Phantom drones which are armed for tactical military purposes such as surveillance. The Royal Australian Air Force operates between 12 to 16 MQ-9 Reaper UAVs from General Atomics, while the Navy utilises six MQ-4C Triton drones.
South Korea
South Korea holds military drone deployment of about 518 military drones primarily used for surveillance, intelligence missions, etc. Most of South Korea’s fleet are manufactured domestically but also acquired foreign models including four RQ-4 Global Hawk UAVs from the US produced by Northrop Grumman Corporation.
Finland
Finland boasts a fleet of 412 military drones with mostly Orbiter 2-B models produced by Israel’s Aeronautics Defence Systems. Finland’s lightweight unmanned aerial vehicles serve the military and security purposes deployed across all eight-brigade level units of the arms of Finland. Not only this but Finland also operates the Ranger drone, which is a joint venture between Switzerland and Israel RUAG Aviation and Aerospace Industries enhancing their aerial capabilities.
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