On 22 April 2026, the Civil-Military Cooperation Centre of Excellence (CCOE) hosted the online seminar “Drone War – A Game Changer for Civil-Military Cooperation?”, bringing together around 140 participants from military, academic, and civilian sectors. In light of the growing role of drone systems and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in modern conflict, the seminar explored how Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) must adapt to an increasingly automated and complex operating environment.
The webinar was part of the CCOE’s “Beyond the Classroom” initiative, which provides a platform for expert insights and cross-sector dialogue, fostering shared understanding of emerging security challenges.
Three expert speakers contributed complementary perspectives. Mr. Richard Lenanne (ICRC) addressed the legal and humanitarian implications of drone warfare, including challenges related to target identification and compliance with international humanitarian law. Mr. Arthur Dallau (DronePort Rotterdam) highlighted the dual-use nature of drone technologies and the need for stronger cooperation between civil, military, and private actors. Mr. Curry Wright (United States Naval War College) outlined the strategic impact of drones, including the democratization of precision strike capabilities and increasing risks to civilian infrastructure.
The discussion underscored how drones are reshaping the operating environment through enhanced surveillance, faster decision cycles, and expanded reach across domains. Their accessibility is lowering barriers for a wide range of actors, while also introducing new risks for critical infrastructure. At the same time, drones are increasingly used beyond the military sphere, particularly in humanitarian response, logistics, and the private sector. The integration of AI further amplifies these developments but raises important ethical and legal questions. As civilian and military applications continue to converge, effective coordination and adapted CIMIC frameworks are essential.
The seminar concluded with an active Q&A session, reflecting strong participant engagement. The CCOE looks forward to welcoming more participants to future webinars.
Stay informed. Stay critical. Stay focused.