This chapter presents a historical analysis of drone warfare, charting the evolution of unmanned aerial systems from rudimentary remote-controlled technologies to today’s advanced, networked, and increasingly autonomous platforms that dominate contemporary conflict zones. It argues that understanding the trajectory of drone development requires a long-term perspective, recognizing that drones are not merely post-9/11 innovations but products of enduring technological, doctrinal, and strategic trends in military history. By combining empirical historical research with analytical insight, the chapter lays a critical foundation for assessing the strategic significance of drones in international security. It also frames the broader themes explored in subsequent chapters, including the accelerating drone arms race, its global security implications, and the shifting nature of warfare in an era defined by autonomous aerial technologies.