A UAV, or unmanned aerial vehicle, is a aircraft operated without a pilot on board. It may be remotely controlled or fly a preprogrammed route, and it is commonly called a drone. In security contexts, UAVs can be used for reconnaissance, transport, electronic sensing, or strike support.
UAVs matter because they extend reach while reducing risk to the operator. In modern conflict, they are often used to scout positions, adjust targeting, deliver payloads, or patrol critical infrastructure. Defenders also use UAVs for inspection, perimeter monitoring, and rapid damage assessment. At the same time, adversaries may exploit UAVs for espionage, smuggling, or coordinated attacks. Cyber security teams must consider the software, radio links, navigation systems, and ground control stations that support a UAV, because those components can be jammed, spoofed, hijacked, or disrupted.