In order for policymakers and other key stakeholders to correctly identify and address potential threats to security posed by this growing phenomenon, a basic technical literacy must first be made available.

This report provides the reader with a technical overview of small UAV systems, their technologies, capabilities and applications, as well as addressing broad market trends and horizon developments within the COTS small UAV sector. This report further provides an indicative use history of UAV systems in service with non-state armed groups and an assessment of operation trends associated with this use and proliferation, followed by an examination of current and proposed regulatory controls and counter-measures.

Date: 01/Feb/2016
Authors: Larry Friese, N.R. Jenzen-Jones and Michael Smallwood (ARES)