10 Most Lethal Drones in the World (2024)

Table of Contents

1. MQ-9b Sky These are the drones that the US has indicated to provide to India in a $4 billion sale. The MQ-9b Sky, developed by General Atomics, is a highly lethal drone known for its long endurance, operating long distances for more than 40 hours. 2. Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B Russia's Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B is an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) designed for stealthy and autonomous strike missions. It can carry a payload of up to 2,000 kilogrammes, both guided and unguided munitions. 3. Gongji-11 Sharp Sword China's Gongji-11, also known as Sharp Sword, is an autonomous stealth drone designed for deep penetration missions for the PLA. Its laser-guided munitions make it a potent platform for strategic operations. 4. TAI Aksungur Developed in Turkey, the Aksungur drone by Turkish Aerospace Industries is a long-range, high-altitude UAV capable of reaching up to 40,000 feet and powered by two PD-170 twin-turbocharged diesel engines. 5. MQ-20 Avenger The MQ-20 Avenger is known for carrying a wide range of sensors and weapons. New features include an expanded 76-foot wingspan, increased fuel capacity, and a prolonged endurance of more than 20 hours. 6. Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie The Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie is a low-cost, stealthy drone. The drone was developed by Kratos and is known for its role in tactical missions. 7. Northrop Grumman X-47B The Northrop Grumman X-47B is an unmanned combat air vehicle developed for the US Navy. With its semi-autonomous flight capabilities, it represents an advancement in naval aviation and strike capabilities. 8. EADS Barracuda The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company's (EADS) Barracuda is an experimental drone with a focus on high-altitude reconnaissance and surveillance. It comes with Mach 0.85 performance. 9. CAIG Wing Loong II The Chinese-made CAIG Wing Loong II is a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone equipped for reconnaissance and strike missions. Its cost-effectiveness and adaptability contribute to its widespread use in various military operations. 10. Dassault nEUROn The Dassault nEUROn, a European collaborative effort, is an experimental stealth combat drone. It is created for medium-to-high combat activities and shows the technological prowess of European defence industries in unmanned aerial systems. FAQs

Feb 2, 2024, 01:23 PM IST

Heena Sharma

1. MQ-9b Sky

These are the drones that the US has indicated to provide to India in a $4 billion sale. The MQ-9b Sky, developed by General Atomics, is a highly lethal drone known for its long endurance, operating long distances for more than 40 hours.

2. Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B

Russia's Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B is an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) designed for stealthy and autonomous strike missions. It can carry a payload of up to 2,000 kilogrammes, both guided and unguided munitions.

3. Gongji-11 Sharp Sword

China's Gongji-11, also known as Sharp Sword, is an autonomous stealth drone designed for deep penetration missions for the PLA. Its laser-guided munitions make it a potent platform for strategic operations.

4. TAI Aksungur

Developed in Turkey, the Aksungur drone by Turkish Aerospace Industries is a long-range, high-altitude UAV capable of reaching up to 40,000 feet and powered by two PD-170 twin-turbocharged diesel engines.

5. MQ-20 Avenger

The MQ-20 Avenger is known for carrying a wide range of sensors and weapons. New features include an expanded 76-foot wingspan, increased fuel capacity, and a prolonged endurance of more than 20 hours.

6. Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie

The Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie is a low-cost, stealthy drone. The drone was developed by Kratos and is known for its role in tactical missions.

7. Northrop Grumman X-47B

The Northrop Grumman X-47B is an unmanned combat air vehicle developed for the US Navy. With its semi-autonomous flight capabilities, it represents an advancement in naval aviation and strike capabilities.

8. EADS Barracuda

The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company's (EADS) Barracuda is an experimental drone with a focus on high-altitude reconnaissance and surveillance. It comes with Mach 0.85 performance.

9. CAIG Wing Loong II

The Chinese-made CAIG Wing Loong II is a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone equipped for reconnaissance and strike missions. Its cost-effectiveness and adaptability contribute to its widespread use in various military operations.

10. Dassault nEUROn

The Dassault nEUROn, a European collaborative effort, is an experimental stealth combat drone. It is created for medium-to-high combat activities and shows the technological prowess of European defence industries in unmanned aerial systems.

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10 Most Lethal Drones in the World (2024)

FAQs

What is the most lethal drone in the world? ›

General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper.

Read On ›

What are the top 10 drones in the world? ›

MQ-9 Reaper.
Global Hawk.
Bayraktar TB2.
Wing Loong II.
Elbit Hermes 900.
Heron TP.
CH-5 Rainbow.
MQ-4C Triton.

More items...

Jun 21, 2024

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Is there a drone that can carry a person? ›

Ehang 184

The Ehang 184 is an electric-powered autonomous aerial vehicle (AAV) designed to carry a single passenger with a payload capacity of 100 kg (220 lbs) and a flight time of 23 minutes. This octocopter features vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, eliminating the need for a runway.

What is the largest drone you can fly without a license? ›

To be sure what kind of a drone pilot you are, use FAA's User Identification Tool or go to the Getting Started page to know more. Drones weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or less and are flown exclusively under the Exception for Recreational Flyers may fly without registration.

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Which military drone can fly the highest? ›

Altitude Capabilities of Military Drones

Drone Model	Maximum Altitude	Purpose
MQ-4C Triton	56,000 feet	Surveillance/Patrol
MQ-9 Reaper	50,000 feet	Combat/Surveillance
RQ-4 Global Hawk	60,000 feet	Reconnaissance
MQ-20 Avenger	50,000 feet	Combat

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Jul 18, 2024

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What is the most powerful drone? ›

10 Most Lethal Drones in the World

MQ-9b Sky.
Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B.
Gongji-11 Sharp Sword.
TAI Aksungur.
MQ-20 Avenger.
Kratos XQ-58 Valkyrie.
Northrop Grumman X-47B.
EADS Barracuda.

More items...

Feb 2, 2024

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What is the best drone for combat? ›

General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper

With numerous modifications, a dozen operators and millions of flight hours, the MQ-9 Reaper is the major success story of the modern drone war, single-handedly carrying entire armed conflicts and generating too many controversies to count.

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Which country has the best fighter drones? ›

The US military and the IDF. Both counties are pioneers in the drone development. Both militaries had integrated drones in their military units in various levels. They use the drones for surveillance, intelligence gartering and attack.

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Who builds the best drones in the world? ›

Drone Launch Top Pick: DJI offers the most powerful drones for the money spent. Despite concerns about potential bans, DJI remains the top pick due to its value and quality.

Can a drone pick up a human? ›

Yes, certain large commercial drones can lift and carry a person, like Ehang 184 and GRIFF Aviation 300. Their lifting capacity depends on the power, dead weight, type of propeller, and the number of motors. In the past, the batteries were too heavy to carry enough energy to create enough lift to get off the ground.

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What drone can lift 1000 pounds? ›

The company has developed the Scorpion heavy-lift drone which can carry a maximum payload of 1,000 lbs (82 kg). The 12 propeller and 12 electric motor cargo drone has a battery power source and can be powered by fuel cells for a maximum flying time of up to six hours.

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In what states are drones illegal? ›

Nine states—California, Kentucky, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Wisconsin and West Virginia—prohibited UAS flying over property, including correctional and other facilities for utilities, defense and railroads.

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Do killer drones exist? ›

As the wars in Ukraine and Gaza have shown, the earliest drone equivalents of “killer robots” have made it onto the battlefield and proved to be devastating weapons. But at least they remain largely under human control.

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How much does the MQ 9 Reaper cost? ›

Reapers, which cost around $30 million each, are advanced drones capable of flying at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet and can remain airborne for up to 24 hours. Their loss signifies a substantial financial and strategic setback for the US military operations in the region.