Reference :
V-F-CR-F-04312-A
Date :
17/12/2025
Title :
The rising threat of weaponised drones — and what the law says.
Duration :
00:02:30
Confidentiality level :
public
Publication restrictions :
publication without restrictions
ICRC producer :
FELL, Nicola Eva
Description :
Drones have become one of the cheapest and most widely used weapons of modern warfare — yet the harm, fear, and destruction they unleash is enormous. From Ukraine to Sudan, Gaza to Yemen, the rise of weaponised drones is transforming conflicts, putting civilians at greater risk, and challenging how international humanitarian law is applied on the battlefield. This video unpacks how drones are used, the human toll they inflict, and why the laws of war are vital in the age of remote and automated violence.
"The relentless buzz of a drone. Possible unarmed, monitoring the movement of wildfires or delivering aid, or laden with explosives. “I could hear drones flying, and then, the building was hit. I could hear someone scream ‘mum, mum’ – I don’t know if they were injured or scared.” This is the kind of ever-present threat that sees parents make their children wear their day clothes to bed, never sure if they will need to rush in the middle of the night to seek shelter. “When I hear the sound of an air raid siren, I become very tense. I struggle to breathe… In moments like these, you just cannot control your own body.”
• Ukraine
• Sudan
• Lebanon
• Gaza
• Russia
• Syria
• Yemen
Some of the places where drones are being armed: small one-way drones can destroy vehicles, ignite fires, and kill people in crowded areas. Larger tactical drones carry heavier munitions and can strike command posts, bridges, or supply lines. Even unarmed surveillance drones create fear — constant stress, sleep deprivation, or trauma.
In just five years, the number of countries using drones has almost tripled, as many believe drones increase accuracy and limit damage. The number of armed groups using this light, relatively cheap tech has skyrocketed — more than a 1,400 percent increase. But this isn’t the reality we’ve seen on the ground.
FPV drones, where a pilot controls the drone via a live video feed, are widely used to crash into targets. With their cheap analogue cameras, it is difficult for a remote controller to be sure of the target, especially at night. And even more worrying is the use of automated drones that can select and attack targets without human intervention.
Regardless of whether a weapon operates autonomously or is remote-controlled by a distant operator, the military commander is responsible for the effects of the weapon unleashed. They must apply the law, distinguish, and limit harm.
Technology doesn't erase responsibility.
Colour/B&W :
colour
SD/HD :
HD
Resolution :
1920 x 1080
Aspect ratio :
16/9
Original material/format :
H264
Best material/format available :
ProRes 422
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