The idea of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), began over a century ago. Their main purpose at first was for military use, to reduce the risk to human pilots during dangerous missions. The first drone-like aircraft was developed during World War I, around 1916, by the British. It was called the Aerial Target. This early drone was a small plane that could be controlled by radio signals from the ground. Although it was not very successful in combat, it introduced the idea of flying machines without a pilot onboard.

In the 1930s and 1940s, drone technology improved, especially in the United States and Germany. During World War II, the U.S. Army used a drone called the Radioplane OQ-2. It was the first mass-produced drone in the world and was mainly used for target practice, helping train anti-aircraft gunners to shoot moving objects in the sky. The Radioplane was controlled remotely and had a small gasoline engine. Interestingly, this project also gave Hollywood star Marilyn Monroe her first job—she worked in the factory that made them!

These early drones were basic and limited. They could not fly very far or carry heavy equipment. However, over the decades, drones became more advanced, with improvements in electronics, GPS, cameras, and flight control systems.

Today, drones are not only used by the military but are also found in many parts of everyday life. They are used for aerial photography, delivering packages, helping farmers check crops, mapping land, and even assisting in disaster rescue operations. What started as a military invention has now become a valuable tool in both professional and personal activities around the world.