Drones to become common warfare tool as costs fall, says think-tank

Drones will become an increasingly common tool of warfare and surveillance as their cost falls, a leading think-tank has said.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) revealed the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) would increase, although they would continue to co-exist next to manned aircraft.

According to Dawn News, at the launch of the Military Balance 2014 at the IISS's London headquarters, its military aerospace expert Doug Barrie said there is an assumption that autonomous drones would soon completely replace piloted planes in 21st century.

The IISS said the increased use of drones was accompanied by legal and ethical questions, including whether attacks could be justified as self-defence, the report added.