Why opt for military drones in case of superiority in air space? The case of the second Karabakh war (2020)

Abstract

This thesis analyses the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020, and it will examine the historical context of the first Karabakh War as well in order to understand the root causes of the conflict. The particular focus will be on the thesis question: Why opt for military drones in case of superiority in air space? In order to answer the question of this research, three theoretical approaches will be used. The balance of power theory explains the imbalances in power when we compare both countries' military expenditures and military capabilities, especially when we are talking about airspace superiority. The military cost and benefit analysis explains cost-related aspects of why it is better to use drones instead of conventional aircraft, and the military strategic theory explains what, why and how were used in order to achieve success and minimise costs. The national security strategy documents of Azerbaijan and Armenia were also analysed briefly in order to understand how both countries perceived the incoming threats and approached the war.