Drones in a Collapse: Friend, Foe, and Firepower | episode 379
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Drones in a Collapse: Friend, Foe, and Firepower | Episode 379
Drones have become an undeniable part of modern warfare, surveillance, and everyday life. In a post-collapse scenario, they will be a double-edged sword—used against you by hostile forces, but also providing an invaluable tool for preppers who know how to use them. Let’s break down the role of drones in a collapse, how to defend against them, and how to use them to your advantage.
How Drones Will Be Used to Gather Intel on You
In a collapse, drones will serve as the eyes of those in power—whether that be remnants of the government, local warlords, gangs, or even desperate individuals looking for an easy target. They will be used for surveillance and recon, scanning for movement, smoke, or signs of life to locate potential food and supply sources. If you’re lighting fires or running generators, you’re making yourself an easy target. Drones can also be used for tracking and targeting in a martial law situation, following individuals trying to evade checkpoints or locating survival groups for forced conscription or resource confiscation.
Beyond that, they can be used for psychological warfare. The constant buzzing of drones overhead can keep you on edge, knowing someone is always watching. In a worst-case scenario, drones equipped with speakers could even broadcast warnings or demoralizing messages. If you’re in an area where drones are operating, assume that anything you do in the open is being recorded and cataloged.
Shooting Down Drones with Birdshot – Effective or Not?
If a drone is spying on you, your first instinct might be to shoot it down. A shotgun loaded with birdshot can be an effective countermeasure, but it comes with risks. Birdshot spreads quickly and can shred small commercial drones within 50 yards. Heavier loads like #4 or buckshot will work at greater distances, but slugs are overkill and harder to hit with.
The downside is that every shot fired is a loud announcement of your location. If the drone is scouting for hostiles, taking it down could immediately bring trouble. In a full societal collapse, laws might not matter, but shooting down drones in a controlled emergency (like martial law) could bring heat from authorities. Use discretion before pulling the trigger. Sometimes, evasion and counter-surveillance techniques are better than engaging.
The Risk of Engaging Military Drones
Let’s be clear: if you take a shot at a military-grade drone, you’re inviting a world of hurt. These drones aren’t just surveillance tools—they’re battlefield assets capable of retaliation. Many military drones are armed. If you shoot one down, you might be marked for a follow-up airstrike or a ground response.
Unlike civilian drones, military ones can see heat signatures, track movement, and even detect weapons. Just hiding in the woods won’t be enough. Some preppers might think about electronic warfare countermeasures, but these require high-tech gear and expertise. For most, the best defense is staying off the radar. In short—if you see a Predator drone circling, don’t play hero. Lay low and avoid drawing attention.
Using Drones for Your Own Survival
While drones can be a major threat, they can also be an incredible tool for preppers. If you’re the one with the drone, you have a serious tactical advantage. A drone with a camera can patrol your property, giving you an aerial view of threats before they get close. If you need to check out a roadblock, an abandoned store, or a potential enemy camp, sending a drone instead of putting yourself at risk is the smarter move.
Drones can also serve as an early warning system, with motion alerts that detect movement at night. Some even have thermal imaging for spotting intruders. In a pinch, a drone could be used to distract attackers, lure them into a trap, or make them think they’re being watched by someone else.
The key is to use drones intelligently. Keep them out of sight when not in use, don’t rely on them as your only defense, and always assume that others may be using them against you.
Final Thoughts
Drones will play a major role in any future collapse, whether as tools of oppression or valuable survival assets. Knowing when to hide, when to shoot, and when to use drones to your advantage could mean the difference between staying hidden and being hunted. Would you use drones in a collapse, or would you focus on avoiding them? Let me know in the comments!
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