The Economist explains

How consumer drones are changing warfare

Both Russia and Ukraine are using cheap quadcopters to track the enemy

J2N3NF Kyiv, Ukraine - April 29, 2017: Drone quadrocopter DJI Mavic Pro flying against the background of sky and trees. Safe tool for aerial photo and video.

IN MAY A pro-Kremlin journalist posted on Telegram, a messaging app, asking Russians to donate their drones to the armed forces. In Ukraine both sides have been buying cheap consumer drones. In peacetime, these were the playthings of technology enthusiasts and amateur film-makers. How are Russia and Ukraine using devices that have more in common with toys than military hardware?

This article appeared in the The Economist explains section of the print edition under the headline “How consumer drones are changing warfare”

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