Abstract We are witnessing profound changes in warfare in the current era, particularly with the adoption of robots and drones. As instruments of conflict, they transform the social space where interlocutors interact with each other. The power imbalance between states and non-state actors has significantly diminished due to the fact that terrorists have rapidly integrated drone systems and robots into their operations. This has been made possible through the commercialization of warfare and the liberalization of weapons technology. Terrorist groups have adopted these techniques, leading to threats in several Middle Eastern and African countries. The use of drones has transformed counterterrorism strategies and tactics worldwide, raising serious ethical and legal concerns. Efforts have been made at the international level to regulate the transfer of drone technology, and countries are working to radically change their response strategies against terrorism. Their current objective is to develop defensive and preventive measures to combat terrorism.