The use of unmanned systems in conflict zones and Turkey's development in unmanned systems

This study examines the role of unmanned systems (UAVs, UGVs, and USVs) in contemporary conventional wars and conflicts, as well as Turkey's current situation in this field. Since the year 2000, unmanned aerial vehicles and other unmanned systems have gained significant importance in military operations due to their strategic and tactical advantages. The impacts of unmanned systems on the battlefield, particularly in the post-Iraq War period, are addressed, and how Turkey has utilized and developed these technologies is evaluated. The main research questions focus on the effects of unmanned systems in war scenarios, the examination of battlefields that have emerged particularly along the borders of the Republic of Turkey in recent years, and, in this context, the development of unmanned systems, Turkey's use and advancement of these systems, as well as their advantages and disadvantages in military operations. In conclusion, the transformative impact of unmanned systems on modern warfare, their operational efficiency, and their advantages in reducing human casualties are emphasized. The economic and operational benefits of these technologies, especially in carrying out high-risk missions without endangering human lives, are discussed. The strategic importance of investments in these technologies by countries like Turkey, in terms of increasing their regional and global influence, is also assessed. The study was prepared using various academic sources and data to understand the evolution and integration of unmanned systems on the battlefield in recent years.