Logo: to the web site of the Swedish Defence University

Purpose: The analysis of this study will broaden the knowledge of unmanned systems within the military profession and explore how this military asset will be used today and in the future.

Background: Research and development within the area of drones is accelerating, from single units within different Armed Forces to a market which is providing drones even for public use. In the future it may be possible to see autonomous drones with the capability to make their own decisions when to strike. In the USA and in the media there are frequent debates regarding drones, but within the Swedish Armed Forces there is practically no debate at all.

Question: How is the drone discourse today within the Swedish Armed Forces, and how has it changed in the past years?

Methodology: Quantitative content analysis of guidelines given by the Swedish Armed Forces.

Result: This paper shows that unmanned vehicles are and will be mainly used for reconnaissance. The political, ethical and legal drone debate will henceforth, affect the future of drones in Sweden, particularly in relation to the development of armed drones. The ability to execute autonomous missions is an area of focus and probably unmanned vehicles will be seen with this ability before, 2035. Finally, this study also indicates that it is easier to commence war when using drones.