Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in modern peacekeeping operations: Applications, challenges, and future directions

Kelly Otieno Opiyo

doi:10.51867/ajernet.6.4.57

Authors

Colonel (Dr) Kelly Otieno Opiyo
kellyismael26@gmail.com
International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, The University of Nairobi, Kenya https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5488-3425

Keywords:

Civilian Protection, Conflict Zones, Humanitarian Support, Peacekeeping Missions, Sociotechnical Systems Theory, Surveillance, Technological Determinism, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

Abstract

The study examines how Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) can be integrated into modern peacekeeping missions and their strategic importance, paying special attention to the prospects of using UAS in African-based missions, including the United Nations Mission in South Sudan [UNMISS], the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo [MONUSCO], the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic [MINUSCA], and the African Support Stabilisation Mission in Somalia [AUSSOM]. It addresses the usefulness of UAS in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); humanitarian logistics; early warning systems; protection of civilians; and operational assistance in complex conflicts. The following three objectives informed the study: to review the uses of UAS in contemporary peacekeeping operations, to list and evaluate the issues involved in using such tools, and to understand the possibilities of the practical and ethical application of such tools in peace operations in the future. The basis of the study was technological determination and sociotechnical system theory. Both qualitative and quantitative case studies were implemented as a methodology, and the researcher has excluded the use of secondary missions where drones will be deployed. Data collection comprised document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and focused engagement with peacekeeping personnel, mission planners, and subject-matter experts. A lot of literature and mission reports were used to obtain secondary data. The data was analysed through thematic content analysis. Based on the evidence, although UAS has significantly improved situation awareness, responsiveness, and safeguarding of civilians, it is still constrained by the political opposition, legal evasiveness, regulation issues, and reluctant acceptance of the host state. The paper concludes that the future of UAS in peacekeeping lies in the development of transparent structures, inter-agency collaboration, investments in operations and the training of drone operators, and adherence to the use of UAS with ethical and trade laws to make the latter appear legitimate and trusted among the locals. The paper presents the necessity of developing uniformity in deploying UAS, the engagement strategy with the host nation, and the expansion of the technical infrastructure to allow for the enduring habits of drone integration during missions.

Dimensions

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