Military drones UAS & UAVS for ISTAR

ISTAR Military drone NATO classification

The current NATO UAS/drone classification divides military drones into three classes based on their weight.

CLASS 3
CLASS 3 represents systems above 600 kg, categorised as High or Medium Altitude Long Endurance drones (HALE/MALE) that can reach an altitude of 10 to 20 km Above Sea Level (ASL). These systems are deployed at the strategic/national level and use satellite communications (SATCOM) for an unlimited range Beyond Line Of Sight (BLOS).
CLASS 2
A military drone within CLASS 2 fits between CLASS 1 and 3, deployed as a tactical tool rather than the more strategic systems in CLASS 3. Although SATCOM is a commonly used way for Command & Control (C2) communications, these systems can also use long-range directional antennas to achieve a 200+ kilometers range within Line Of Sight (LOS).
CLASS 1
CLASS 1 includes all military drones weighing up to 150 kg. Subdivided into three categories, Micro (<2 kg), Mini (<15 kg), and Small >15 kg), these military drone systems have a typical range (radius) of 5 to 50 kilometers using a Line Of Sight (LOS) communication link. Height Technologies focuses on the Micro and Mini Drone category, so we’ll expand on the term: “military drone” from there.

• REQUEST A DEMO TO SEE MORE

Frequently asked questions about military drones

WHAT IS A MILITARY DRONE?
Military drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are remotely piloted systems designed to support complex defense operations. They include both Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) platforms adapted for military use and purpose-built Military-Off-The-Shelf (MOTS) systems. These drones enable real-time Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) while reducing risk to personnel. Equipped with advanced sensors, high-resolution cameras, and secure communications, they deliver mission-critical situational awareness. MOTS platforms offer enhanced durability and resilience against electronic warfare in contested environments. Both COTS and MOTS drones provide scalable, tactical advantages tailored to evolving operational demands.
WHAT ARE MILITARY DRONES USED FOR?
Military drones are used to support a wide range of defense operations, from real-time intelligence gathering to precision strike capabilities. Their primary roles include Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), providing forces with critical situational awareness across land, sea, and air domains. These systems are also used for force protection, convoy security, and target tracking in both urban and remote environments. Advanced drones can be equipped with payloads for electronic warfare, communications relay, or kinetic strike missions. By operating remotely, they reduce risk to personnel while enabling faster, data-driven decision-making. Military drones are essential tools for modern armed forces, enhancing mission effectiveness in dynamic and contested environments.
HOW ARE MILITARY DRONES CONTROLLED?

Military drones rely on a combination of remote-control systems, autonomous features, and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities. Military drone operators use a ground control station (GCS) equipped with consoles, screens, and communication systems to remotely pilot the drones. The GCS facilitates real-time video and data transmission to the operator and enables command issuance, playing a vital role in C4ISR operations.

The autonomous capabilities of military drones, such as pre-programmed flight paths, significantly reduce the workload of operators. These drones are equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms that analyze data and make critical decisions. These capabilities include target acquisition for fire support and real-time flight adjustments, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of military operations.

A notable feature of military drones is the “silent mode,” where military drones can be preconfigured to fly a certain route without continuous communication with the ground control system. This mode reduces vulnerability to communication-jamming attempts, making the drones more effective in contested areas. However, it also increases the risk of losing the drone due to the inability of the pilot/operator to intervene during GNSS jamming attacks, which can disrupt the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) used for positioning and navigation.

In addition, MOTS drones, unlike COTS drones, feature more advanced communication systems, often Software Defined Radios (SDR). These SDRs provide several benefits, including the ability to hop between frequencies in case of communication-jamming attacks. By dynamically changing frequencies, MOTS drones can mitigate the impact of jamming attempts, ensuring that communication channels remain open and operational. The use of SDRs in MOTS drones demonstrates their adaptability and resilience in contested environments.

In summary, military drones combine human and machine intelligence with C4ISR capabilities for effective and safe operation. The integration of remote-control systems, autonomous features, and C4ISR enables seamless communication, real-time data analysis, and informed decision-making. The “silent mode” feature enhances the resilience of military drones against communication interference, and the implementation of advanced communication systems, such as SDRs in MOTS drones, further strengthens their ability to maintain robust communications in contested areas. However, it is important to address the risk of GNSS jamming attacks to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of military drone operations.