The Most Advanced Military Drone, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the military drone you think is the most advanced!

Updated on May 3, 2024 06:16

Assessing the advancements in military drones helps clarify how technology is shaping modern defense strategies. As nations invest heavily in research and development, identifying which drones are leading the field can provide insights into the future of aerial warfare and reconnaissance. This assessment is crucial for defense analysts, tech enthusiasts, and policymakers who rely on up-to-date data to make informed decisions. By participating in voting for the most advanced military drones, users contribute to a broader understanding of these complex technologies. Each vote helps to determine which models are viewed as the most effective or innovative by a collective audience. This interactive process not only fosters a community of informed individuals but also highlights trends and preferences in the evolving landscape of military technology.

What Is the Most Advanced Military Drone?

1

43
votes
U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson · Public domain

MQ-9 Reaper

This drone is one of the most advanced and capable drones in the world, with the ability to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions as well as strike missions against enemy targets. It has a range of up to 1,850 km and can stay in the air for up to 27 hours.
The MQ-9 Reaper is a cutting-edge military drone developed primarily for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It is also capable of carrying out precise strikes on ground targets. With its advanced capabilities, the MQ-9 Reaper has become a crucial asset in modern warfare.

Wingspan: 20 meters

Length: 10.97 meters

Maximum Altitude: 15,240 meters

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 4,760 kilograms

Cruise Speed: 370 km/h
MQ-9 Reaper in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most advanced military technology
2

31
votes
U.S. Air Force photo by Bobbi Zapka · Public domain

RQ-4 Global Hawk

Northrop Grumman

This high-altitude, long-endurance drone is used for ISR missions and can operate at altitudes of up to 60,000 feet for more than 30 hours. It has advanced sensors and communication equipment that make it a valuable asset for military operations.
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. It is one of the most advanced military drones in operation today.

Wingspan: 39.93m (131 ft)

Length: 14.5m (47.6 ft)

Maximum Speed: 575 mph (925 km/h)

Ceiling: 60,000 feet (18,288 m)

Endurance: 30+ hours
3

15
votes
CH-5 Rainbow

This Chinese drone is designed for both reconnaissance and strike missions and has a range of up to 10,000 km. It is equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems that make it a formidable opponent.
The CH-5 Rainbow is an advanced military drone designed for long-endurance and high-altitude operations. It is known for its versatility, intelligence, and superior combat capabilities. With a sleek aerodynamic design, the CH-5 Rainbow is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that make it one of the most powerful drones on the market.

Wingspan: 21 meters

Length: 10 meters

Max Takeoff Weight: 3,300 kilograms

Payload Capacity: 1,200 kilograms

Endurance: up to 60 hours
4

6
votes
X-47B

This experimental drone was developed by the US Navy and is designed to operate from aircraft carriers. It has advanced autonomous capabilities and can conduct both ISR and strike missions.
The X-47B is an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) designed for carrier-based operations. It is one of the most advanced military drones, specifically built for autonomous missions and capable of executing both reconnaissance and strike missions.

Wingspan: 62 feet

Length: 38 feet

Height: 10 feet

Maximum Speed: Mach 0.9

Range: 2,100 nautical miles
5

24
votes
Army.com.ua · CC BY 4.0

Bayraktar TB2

Baykar Makina

This Turkish drone has been used extensively in conflicts in Syria and Libya and has proven to be a highly effective ISR and strike platform. It has a range of up to 150 km and can stay in the air for up to 27 hours.
The Bayraktar TB2 is a highly advanced military drone developed in Turkey. It is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations. Equipped with cutting-edge technology, it offers an array of capabilities suitable for various military applications.

Wingspan: 12 meters

Length: 6.5 meters

Weight: 650 kilograms

Max Speed: 222 km/h

Endurance: 27 hours
6

13
votes
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Army · Public domain

MQ-1C Gray Eagle

This drone is a variant of the MQ-9 Reaper and is used primarily for ISR missions. It has advanced sensors and can stay in the air for up to 25 hours.
The MQ-1C Gray Eagle is an advanced unmanned aircraft system (UAS) designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike missions. It is an upgraded version of the MQ-1 Predator drone.

Wingspan: 56 ft 1 in (17.1 m)

Length: 28 ft 5 in (8.7 m)

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 4,200 lb (1,900 kg)

Payload Capacity: 800 lb (363 kg)

Maximum Speed: 167 knots (192 mph, 309 km/h)
7

9
votes
I-View_250_unmanned_aircraft.jpg: Wikibob derivative work: NatanFlayer (talk) · Public domain

Heron TP

This Israeli drone is one of the largest and most advanced drones in the world, with a range of up to 7,400 km and the ability to stay in the air for up to 36 hours. It is primarily used for ISR missions but can also be equipped with weapons systems.
The Heron TP is a highly sophisticated military drone designed for advanced surveillance and reconnaissance missions. It is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed primarily for use by the Israeli Air Force.

Wingspan: 26 meters

Weight: 5,400 kilograms

Endurance: 36+ hours

Ceiling: 45,000 feet

Range: over 1,000 kilometers
8

11
votes
Avenger

This drone is a variant of the MQ-9 Reaper and is used primarily for strike missions. It has advanced weapons systems and can stay in the air for up to 18 hours.
The Avenger is an advanced military drone that was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. It is designed for long-endurance missions and is capable of both reconnaissance and combat operations.

Wingspan: 20 meters

Length: 13 meters

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 20,000 pounds

Range: 3,000 nautical miles

Top Speed: 400 knots
9

7
votes
Mztourist · CC BY-SA 4.0

Wing Loong II

This Chinese drone is used for both reconnaissance and strike missions and has a range of up to 6,000 km. It is equipped with advanced sensors and weapons systems and has been used extensively in conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.
The Wing Loong II is an advanced military drone designed and developed by the Chengdu Aircraft Design Institute (CADI) of China. It is a medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with multiple mission capabilities.

Maximum Speed: 370 km/h

Endurance: 32 hours

Service Ceiling: 9,000 meters

Wingspan: 20.5 meters

Length: 11 meters
10

1
votes
United States Navy photo courtesy of Boeing · Public domain

MQ-25 Stingray

Boeing

This drone is currently under development by the US Navy and is designed to operate from aircraft carriers. It will be used primarily for aerial refueling missions but could also be equipped for ISR or strike missions in the future.
The MQ-25 Stingray is an advanced military drone designed for carrier-based aerial refueling operations. It is a fully autonomous, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) developed by Boeing.

Wingspan: 66 feet

Length: 51 feet

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 30,000 pounds

Payload Capacity: 15,000 pounds

Endurance: more than 15 hours

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Ranking factors for advanced military drone

Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities

The ability to gather and analyze information in real-time, including the use of high-resolution cameras, infrared sensors, and other advanced technologies, is crucial for a drone's effectiveness.
Stealth characteristics

The ability to evade and minimize detection by enemy radar or other monitoring systems contributes to a drone's survivability and effectiveness on the battlefield.
Range and endurance

The distance a drone can travel and how long it can operate without needing to refuel is essential for both strategic flexibility and its ability to conduct sustained operations.
Weapon payload

The type and number of munitions a drone can carry and deploy impact its lethality and ability to engage various types of targets.
Precision strike capabilities

The accuracy and reliability of a drone's targeting system and ability to deliver precision strikes are critical to minimizing collateral damage and achieving desired strategic outcomes.
Speed and maneuverability

The ability to operate at high speeds and execute complex maneuvers is essential for a drone's ability to evade threats and engage targets effectively.
Communication systems

Robust, secure communication links between the drone and its operators are vital to ensuring effective command and control, as well as the ability to share critical intelligence and operational data.
Autonomy and artificial intelligence (AI)

The level of autonomy and AI integrated into a drone's systems can enhance its ability to operate independently and adapt to changing conditions on the battlefield.
Interoperability

The ability of a drone to work seamlessly with other assets – including manned aircraft, ground forces, and naval vessels – is critical for the overall efficacy of military operations.
Cost-effectiveness and maintainability

The acquisition, operation, and maintenance costs of a drone must be weighed against its capabilities and performance to determine its overall value to a military force.
Reliability and survivability

A drone's ability to withstand harsh operating environments, potential threats, and potential system failures are critical factors in assessing its overall effectiveness and utility for military operations.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most advanced military drone. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or drone is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1926 views
171 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each drone once every 24 hours. The rank of each drone is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most advanced military drone

Military drones have become an integral part of modern warfare, allowing military forces to conduct surveillance and reconnaissance, strike targets, and gather intelligence without risking human lives. The advancement of technology has led to the development of advanced military drones that can fly longer, higher, and faster, while carrying heavier payloads and performing more complex tasks. These drones come equipped with advanced sensors, cameras, and communication systems that allow them to operate in harsh and challenging environments. With the increasing use of military drones by various countries, the competition to develop the most advanced drone technology is fierce. In this article, we will explore the most advanced military drones currently in use and their capabilities.