Could terrorists attempt to attack the White House with a drone? Crash sparks debate over future use of drones in war

While U.S. is master of drones in war now, many countries are developing their own drone programs

A two-foot-long, four propeller drone crashed onto the White House grounds yesterday, raising troubling questions that drones could be utilized by terrorists or other potential murderers to attack the White House or other U.S. government institutions that have high security.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Drones have come a long way in just a few decades. Prior to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, using a drone to attack a target on the other side of the world was strictly in the realm of science fiction. The United States had only a few experimental drones that were used for reconnaissance.

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There are 7,000 drones possessed by the U.S. and more than 200 are armed.

This massive fleet is a powerful tool in the current conflicts the world over, and thousands have been targeted and killed in drone strikes. Drones would play a major role in any future war between major powers, and China and Russia are already developing and arming drones.

Even smaller governments or terrorist organizations are using drones. Hezbollah, the militant Shiite group from Lebanon utilized a bomb-carrying drone to attack a building in Syria that the al-Qaeda affiliated al-Nusra Front was using.

Iran sponsors Hezbollah, and it is likely that Iran has been manufacturing drones.

Still, it will be a long time before other countries or militant groups are able to create a massive and effective drone force. Even then, the U.S. has numerous drone bases in several countries, but it is unlikely that a terrorists reach would extend far beyond their own land.

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Even with a working drone and a target within range, arming a drone is a delicate and expensive process. Weapon systems that a drone can use are very delicate, and manufactured to certain specifics, and few nations have the technological base to do so.

Still, the future of warfare, decades from now, will likely see numerous drones being used by all nations and militant groups. Already the civilian drone market is opening up in the U.S., and private companies and law enforcement agencies are beginning to purchase drones for their own use.

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