AI-Enabled Drones Pose Security Risks, ASU Report Finds
The 2026 Global Security Forum analysis highlights threats posed by non-state actors using dual-use autonomous technology.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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At the 2026 Global Security Forum in Doha, researchers from Arizona State University presented findings on the security risks posed by autonomous, AI-enabled drones. The team analyzed how non-state actors increasingly utilize commercial, dual-use drone systems to conduct surveillance and disrupt critical infrastructure.
Why it matters
The increased accessibility of autonomous systems creates new vulnerabilities for international security partnerships. Researchers are working to bridge the gap between academic findings and policy, aiming to mitigate threats from actors using dual-use technology for malicious purposes.
The analysis focuses on the integration of commercial-off-the-shelf drone hardware with autonomous navigation software. These dual-use platforms enable non-state entities to bypass traditional air defense perimeters.
The players
Arizona State University
A research-intensive university focused on large-scale innovation and global security policy through its Future Security Initiative.
New America
A think tank that connects academic research to public policy analysis and civic engagement.
Peter Bergen
An expert in intelligence and defense cooperation who led discussions on security threats at the forum.
Daniel Rothenberg
A moderator focused on the intersection of drone technology and the operational tactics of non-state actors.
Robert J. Bunker
A security analyst who authored the study on weaponized AI drone threats presented at the conference.
The details
Non-state actors leverage dual-use drones—consumer-grade technology adaptable for military or malicious tasks—by integrating AI to automate navigation and target identification. Arizona State University experts, through the Future Security Initiative, examine these systems to understand how autonomous flight reduces the operational skill threshold for infrastructure disruption. By partnering with New America, the university translates these technical findings into policy recommendations for defense cooperation.
Timeline
2026: The Global Security Forum took place in Doha.
The Tech Race
This research follows a growing trend in defensive studies aimed at quantifying threats from autonomous platforms. It benchmarks against traditional, non-autonomous drone interference tactics previously observed in international security sectors.
Public safety professionals and infrastructure managers in Arizona and beyond must now account for dual-use drones in their threat modeling. These findings provide a framework for organizations to identify potential gaps in surveillance and physical perimeter security.
The takeaway
Security experts emphasize that the democratization of autonomous drone technology requires a shift in how infrastructure is protected. Future developments will likely center on regulatory standards for dual-use technology and improved detection capabilities for low-altitude flight paths.
Further reading
For more on evolving machine-learning security risks, see the Artificial Intelligence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Small Wars Journal.
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