Drone’s First Passenger: Could It Be a Combat Casualty or a Criminal?

The concept of passenger transport drones is coming to life, albeit in a rudimentary form. Currently in operation are modified cargo drones, primarily used for transporting combat casualties and criminal elements.

Heavy-lift drones are essentially advanced versions of popular quadcopters. Numerous DIY drone videos reveal that the fundamental technology is relatively straightforward. However, achieving safety certifications for passenger transport aircraft can take years. Companies like Volocopter, E-hang, and Eve Air Mobility are working diligently to meet certification requirements within the next year or two.

Meanwhile, commercial cargo drones intended for agricultural and industrial purposes are becoming larger and more affordable. For instance, the DJI FlyCart 100, launched last year, can carry up to 85 kilograms and retails for just over £10,000. While not certified for human transport, there’s no guarantee some operators won’t attempt to use them for such purposes.

In Ukraine, the constant threat of drone attacks presents obstacles for medical evacuations. Unmanned ground vehicles, remotely controlled by humans, are currently the preferred method for transporting injured individuals. As of August 2025, Oleksandr Shirsky, Supreme Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, stated: aerial drones are being explored for this role.

“The development of such drones is essential, as expedited medical care during the ‘golden hour’ significantly increases survival rates,” said Roy Gardiner, affiliated with the non-profit organization “Defense Tech for Ukraine”. “Creating large multicopter drones capable of swiftly evacuating injured soldiers is a pressing priority, and both parties have confirmed developments are in progress.”

Using cargo drones for evacuation is far from optimal. Unlike helicopter ambulances equipped with onboard medical personnel, drones lack real-time patient monitoring. Still, aerial drones have the potential to transport individuals from conflict zones to medical facilities quicker and more efficiently than ground-based alternatives.

Criminal organizations may also utilize drones for human transport. A recent DroneSec report from an Australia-based intelligence firm indicates a rising interest in drones that carry humans. It showcases a video where the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan employs heavy-lift drones for short-distance passenger movements during training.

“These drones pose significant risks, as they could facilitate human trafficking across fortified borders,” indicates Robert Bunker from C/O Futures, an American consulting firm. “Criminals are often the first to innovate and disregard safety and regulatory standards.”

Small drones are already being exploited to smuggle contraband into prisons, and larger models may be capable of extracting inmates. They also present opportunities for transporting armed individuals to secure locations.

“This is an escalating concern that necessitates strategic planning, particularly concerning facilities and borders with formidable physical barriers like high walls, rivers, and canyons,” Bunker stated.

While commercial passenger drones are being designed with rigorous safety protocols and comprehensive testing, the allure of drone transportation remains strong for adventurous individuals seeking alternative means of travel.