Unmanned Aerial Systems: Evolution from Antiquity to Modern Times

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) from a long-term per-spective – from ancient precursors to advanced autonomous platforms of 2025–2026. The core premise is the thesis that UAS evolution represents a technological environmental adaptation unique in the history of engineering. Within this framework, it is demonstrated that each succes-sive generation of unmanned systems is a direct response to specific external barriers: from early reconnaissance needs to the necessity of radar evasion (Turkish Talay sea-skimmer), resistance to electronic warfare (Polish Warmate 5), and optimization of resources and logistics (Brazilian Tu-pan BEE, Lithuanian Airvolve). The article proves that ongoing autonomy and miniaturization (Nano systems) are forms of machine adaptation for survival in a technology-saturated environ-ment, permanently redefining the human role by shifting the individual from a direct pilot to a strategic supervisor of intelligent systems.