How drones are reshaping modern warfare around the globe

NPR | By Joanna Kakissis,

Emmanuel Akinwotu, Eyder Peralta

Published March 18, 2026 at 4:49 AM EDT

From global conflicts to criminal networks, drones are reshaping the nature of war and the balance of power.

Joanna Kakissis

Joanna Kakissis is a foreign correspondent based in Kyiv, Ukraine, where she reports poignant stories of a conflict that has upended millions of lives, affected global energy and food supplies and pitted NATO against Russia.

See stories by Joanna Kakissis

Emmanuel Akinwotu

Emmanuel Akinwotu is an international correspondent for NPR. He joined NPR in 2022 from The Guardian, where he was West Africa correspondent.

Eyder Peralta

Eyder Peralta is NPR's East Africa correspondent based in Nairobi, Kenya.

See stories by Eyder Peralta

SUSTAIN what matters. BUILD what’s next.

With federal funding eliminated, WKAR relies more than ever on community support to sustain essential services that remain freely available to everyone in mid-Michigan. Your support helps shape what comes next for public media in our region. The best way to support WKAR is by becoming a sustaining member today or by upgrading your current gift. Support WKAR TV Here | Support WKAR Radio Here.