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A revolution is transforming the armed forces of every nation. In Rise of the Drones, NOVA launches a provocative investigation of the explosive growth of airborne UAVs, or pilotless drones. During the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the United States deployed only a handful; now, the U.S. has more than 7,000 drones and over 40 other nations are building or buying these increasingly lethal and cost effective weapons. Is it only a matter of time before a terrorist group turns the technology against Western targets? Yesterday’s soldiers and pilots put their lives on the line but today, a UAV pilot can “fly” a mission in Afghanistan remotely from a base in Nevada. This new ability has already saved hundreds, if not thousands, of U.S. service lives but may make military strikes a more tempting, seemingly risk-free option. Filled with footage of UAVs in action, Rise of the Drones is a groundbreaking exploration of the explosive power and hidden downsides of unmanned conflict.

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