A case for a ‘sometimes’ UAV
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology is arguably the fastest growing aspect of present-day aviation.

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology is arguably the fastest growing aspect of present-day aviation. Unmanned combat aerial vehicles are revolutionizing the conduct of military operations, and some law enforcement, border security and other civil activities are being undertaken by UAVs as well. Very small hand-launched models are aiding soldiers, while police and firemen will soon be able to search inside buildings where danger lurks.

Terrorists in Yemen have been attacked from the air by Hellfire missile-toting UAVs, while such aircraft will soon patrol parts of Australia’s extremely long coastline. Crime in South Africa has long been tackled by UAVs operating in civil airspace, while long lonely borders in many countries can be patrolled remotely.