The Global Drone Threat Report 2026, published by DroneSec in January 2026, is a consolidated analysis of documented drone and uncrewed‑system activity during 2025, with forward‑looking observations for 2026. The report is based on open‑source incident data and examines how unmanned systems are being used across military, criminal and security environments.
The report covers observed developments such as:
- Increased use of fiber‑optic‑controlled drones, which operate independently of RF links
- The appearance of AI‑assisted or autonomous targeting features in FPV systems
- The transfer of drone tactics from conflict zones into organized crime and smuggling activity
- Expansion beyond aerial drones to include maritime and ground‑based uncrewed systems
Rather than focusing on countermeasures, the report documents what has occurred, how tactics and technologies have evolved and where patterns suggest continued or expanded use of uncrewed systems.
The report is intended for analysts, policymakers, security practitioners, and researchers examining trends in drone and counter‑UAS activity.
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