Smart mini-drones as deadly weapons targeting neck on impact

Weaponized smart mini-drones targeting the neck are a credible threat due to advancements in drone autonomy and miniaturization, though specific incidents are rare and typically classified. Concerns center on the potential for these unmanned aerial systems (UAS), especially when operating in swarms, to carry small lethal payloads, deliver toxic agents, or use kinetic force against vulnerable human targets. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

This scenario is a subject of serious national security concern due to rapid advancements in the elements required to create such weapons. Key technological capabilities contributing to this threat include miniaturization, allowing for difficult-to-detect micro-drones; artificial intelligence and autonomy, enabling systems to select and engage targets without human intervention; and the potential for drone swarms to overwhelm defenses. The concept of a drone targeting the neck with kinetic force is concerning, and other potential lethal payloads could involve explosives or toxic agents. [6, 7, 8, 9, 10]

While a direct, publicly reported incident of a micro-drone targeting a person in this manner is not known, the underlying risks are well-documented. Reports have indicated that autonomous drones have engaged targets without human command, and drones have been increasingly used for targeted attacks by various actors. The accessibility of commercial drone technology and the relative ease of weaponization contribute to this risk. [4, 11, 12]

Countermeasures and defenses against the threat of weaponized drones involve a multi-layered approach, including detection, tracking, identification, and mitigation. Counter-UAS systems utilize various sensors to identify and locate drones. If a threat is confirmed, active countermeasures such as RF jamming, cyber-takeover, or kinetic solutions can be deployed to disable the drone. However, countering small, low-flying, or fully autonomous drones remains challenging due to their size, erratic movement, use of concealment, and independence from RF signals for control. [13, 14, 15, 16, 17]