DRONES IN ASYMMETRIC WARFARE: LESSONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PAKISTAN’S COUNTERTERRORISM STRATEGY

Since 9/11, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), or drones, have emerged as a pivotal technology in asymmetrical warfare owing to their affordability, accessibility, and tactical advantages. This qualitative study investigates the growing use of drones in asymmetric warfare and its impacts on Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy. Through various case studies, the research examines both the benefits and challenges drone technology offers to Pakistan which is grappling with well-equipped internal and external threats. Moreover, by exploring these case studies, the study offers lessons for Pakistan and emphasises the need for Pakistan to enhance its security apparatus by effectively leveraging drone technology in counterterrorism operations while simultaneously devising proactive strategies to mitigate threats posed by their use among non-state actors.