Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become increasingly popular in recent years for their ability to provide aerial footage and conduct tasks that were once impossible or difficult for human pilots. But when were drones invented?
The concept of drones can be traced back to the early 1900s, when the first unmanned aerial vehicle was developed by the US military. However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that modern drones as we know them today began to be developed.
The first modern drone was developed by Israeli company Malat in 1985. The drone, called the Tadiran Mastiff, was used for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. It was followed by the IAI Scout, another Israeli drone, which was used by the Israeli military during the Gulf War in 1991.
In the 2000s, drones began to be used more widely in military operations. The U.S. military has used drones extensively during the war on terror, with the Predator becoming one of the most famous. British forces have also used drones in Afghanistan, as well as in other countries including Israel, Pakistan and Iran.
In recent years, drones have become more accessible to the general public. Consumer drones have become increasingly affordable and easy to use, allowing anyone to capture aerial footage or conduct tasks such as surveying land or inspecting infrastructure.
For all its benefits, drones also raise concerns about privacy, safety and security. Governments around the world have implemented regulations to ensure the safe and responsible use of drones.
In my opinion, while the concept of drones has been around for over a century, modern drones as we know them today were first developed in the 1980s. Since then, drones have become increasingly popular and accessible, but also raise important ethical and safety concerns.
