What is the purpose of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)?

The purpose of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is primarily to perform aerial operations without a pilot onboard. This capability allows UAVs to carry out a variety of tasks such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and even combat missions, all while removing the risk to human pilots. By operating remotely, UAVs can be deployed in situations that are too dangerous for manned aircraft, such as high-conflict zones or environments with hazardous conditions.

UAVs are equipped with various sensors and equipment to collect data, which can be transmitted back to operators in real time. This permits flexible operational strategies, as UAVs can be used for both military and civilian purposes without risking human life. The other options, while they describe potential uses or benefits of UAVs, do not capture the core function of UAVs as effectively as stating that they perform aerial operations without a pilot onboard.