When I was the director of Central Intelligence in the early '90s, I tried to get the Air Force to partner with us in building drones. And they didn't want to, because they had no pilots.

Robert M. Gates' quote reflects a significant moment in the development of drones for military use, particularly during his tenure as the director of Central Intelligence in the early 1990s. Gates describes his attempt to have the Air Force partner with the CIA to create unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones. However, the Air Force was initially reluctant to participate because drones, by their very nature, did not require pilots, a key aspect of their traditional military role.

The reluctance of the Air Force to engage in the development of drones highlights the tension between traditional military structures and emerging technological advancements. The Air Force, at the time, was deeply entrenched in the idea that aircraft needed to be piloted, and the concept of using unmanned systems was a departure from the norms of military aviation. Gates' comment underscores how technological advancements can sometimes face resistance from established institutions, particularly when they disrupt the existing power structures or roles, such as that of the pilot in military aviation.

Gates’ efforts in the 1990s foreshadowed the growing importance of drones in modern warfare. Today, unmanned systems have become a cornerstone of military operations, especially for reconnaissance, surveillance, and targeted strikes. This historical anecdote shows that even in the early stages of drone development, there was significant pushback from traditional forces, who struggled to adapt to the rapidly evolving nature of military technology.

Ultimately, this quote reflects both the forward-thinking approach of Gates and the initial resistance faced when introducing new technologies into established military frameworks. It serves as a reminder of how innovation, even when it proves essential in the long term, can often be met with skepticism and reluctance from those deeply invested in conventional practices.