Countries view UAVs as less threatening than jets

Recently, two Chinese Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were spotted near Okinawa, prompting Japan to respond. However, the alarm was much lower than if piloted fighter jets had been flying nearby. This highlights how UAVs are often seen as less threatening compared to traditional aircraft. Several factors contribute to this perception. UAVs are generally considered less dangerous because many are unarmed and used mainly for surveillance. Their lack of a human pilot means they don't represent the same level of military power. Sending a UAV on a mission is often seen as safer since it avoids risking human lives or expensive aircraft. When UAVs are shot down, the reaction tends to be more restrained. For example, in 2019, Iran shot down a U.S. surveillance drone, leading to high tensions but no direct military response from the United States. Similarly, when a Russian missile downed an American UAV in 2023, there were no significant repercussions. The perception of UAVs as less threatening can lead to riskier behavior. Countries may feel more comfortable conducting surveillance or other missions with drones, knowing that the stakes are lower than with manned aircraft. For India, this poses a significant challenge. With UAVs being used for illegal activities along its borders, such as arms smuggling by Pakistan, India must find effective ways to respond. Using costly missiles to intercept drones is not sustainable. As UAVs become more integrated into military operations, India needs to adapt its strategy to handle these situations without escalating conflicts further.