What are the differences between missiles and kamikaze drones?

Drones, particularly loitering munitions or kamikaze drones, have significantly transformed warfare tactics in recent years. Their ability to bypass defenses, precisely target specific points, and be launched in swarms has had a profound impact on the conduct and planning of battles.

While these drones may not seem vastly different from precision-guided missiles, there are fundamental distinctions between the two. Most notably:

1. Cost: These drones are constructed from inexpensive components and do not require complex guidance systems or advanced equipment to evade enemy defenses like precision missiles, making them easy and affordable to produce for militaries with limited budgets.
2. Swarm Deployment: Their simplicity and low cost make it feasible to deploy them in swarms. This poses significant technical and financial challenges for defense systems, as countering a swarm is much more complex and costly than intercepting a single drone. In contrast, launching precision missiles in swarms can be economically draining for the attacker.
3. Loitering Capability: This is the most significant advantage of loitering munitions. Their ability to hover in the sky, waiting for the opportune moment to strike, makes them a nightmare in combat. Their mere presence keeps ground…