The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the problematic aspects of the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through the prism of the norms and principles of international humanitarian law (IHL). The author examines the compliance of the practice of using unmanned technologies with the key principles of conducting military operations, namely: differences, proportionality and precautions. Special attention is paid to the issues of qualification of UAV operators, the status of software and hardware complexes in the system of means of warfare, as well as the problems of attribution of responsibility for potential violations. The conclusion draws conclusions about the need to adapt the existing legal regime to new technological realities without undermining the fundamental foundations of IHL.