The drone age for all: The real challenge is only beginning - opinion

Can anyone build and fly a drone? New companies, investors, and AI technologies are accelerating market growth, but the gap between an impressive prototype and a reliable operational system remains

Almost anyone can build and fly a drone today. Readily available components, technical knowledge, and inexpensive development tools have made the world of unmanned systems more accessible than ever. However, turning an aircraft into a reliable, safe, and legally compliant operational system remains a significant challenge.

The global drone race is heating up. New companies are entering the market, major investments are flowing into the sector, and traditional defense industries are being forced to adapt.

Yet there is a fundamental difference between building an aircraft and delivering a reliable operational capability, particularly in crowded and complex airspace, both military and civilian. This requires expertise in aviation, engineering, command and control, safety, regulation, and an understanding of user needs.

The pressure to reach the market quickly can lead to compromises in development and testing, undermining reliability and increasing safety risks. This is particularly significant as artificial intelligence and autonomy advance in aviation.

Not everything AI is capable of doing should be entrusted to it. It is essential to define where human involvement is required, who is accountable for decisions, and where the boundaries of autonomy lie. Technology can expand capabilities, but it cannot replace professional judgment and experience.

A drone is a complex system of systems, fundamentally different from a missile or a manned aircraft. As unmanned platforms increasingly operate alongside other aircraft and even face off against other unmanned systems, clear professional standards are essential. A drone must be treated as an aircraft, and its operator as a trained pilot, including when operating beyond visual line of sight.

Investors, too, need to adapt. An impressive presentation or a flying prototype is not proof of technological maturity or commercial potential. Venture capital funds and companies entering the sector should seek guidance from professionals with experience in drone development, testing, operational requirements, and the integration of systems into the market. Investing in technology also requires understanding it.

At the national level, unmanned systems are a strategic domain that demands sustained investment in human capital, research and development, testing infrastructure, training, and regulation, alongside close cooperation between industry and operational stakeholders.

The establishment of a dedicated branch for unmanned systems in the IDF is a step in the right direction. However, organizational change must translate into operational capability. A shared professional training framework, led by the Israeli Air Force, is needed to establish common standards, knowledge, and professional terminology across all branches operating unmanned systems.

Ultimately, the winners of this race will not necessarily be those who build the fastest drone or secure the largest investment. They will be the countries and companies that succeed in building a complete ecosystem of knowledge, resources, and operational experience.

As technology advances and more systems become unmanned, the importance of the human factor only grows. In an era increasingly driven by artificial intelligence, leadership, independent thinking, professional judgment, and experience remain essential. The person behind the drone matters more today than ever before.

Alon Unger is chairman and founder of the UVID International Unmanned Systems Conference and Exhibition, taking place on November 12, 2026, at Expo Tel Aviv