WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The report noted the proliferation of drones and advances in technology present a unique dilemma to US national security as both state- and non-state actors will gain potentially deadly access to inexpensive drones.
“Over time, hobbyist drone capabilities will become increasingly accessible to non-state actors and individuals and increasingly sophisticated — ultimately approaching currently available small military-grade capabilities.”
As sales of drones used for hobby increase, the report said, there like will be a reduction in cost and increase in drone capabilities.
“This development will in turn grant individuals and non-state actors – particularly those without existing state patrons — unprecedented access to highly advanced technologies,” which can be used for surveillance or be weaponized.
“Even without missiles or releasable bombs, drones can be used as cheap precision-guided weapons to disperse chemical or biological payloads or simply to strike targets with explosives.”
Drones are generally divided in four categories — small hobby drones, commercial drones, large military drones and stealth military drones.
Military drones are exclusive to states, but the purchase of hobby drones and commercial drones is unregulated. A hobby drone can be purchased for anywhere from $100 to a few thousand dollars.
The Center for a New American Security is a Washington, DC-based think tank. The Center’s mission is to help develop pragmatic and principled US national security and defense policies, according to the organization’s website.
