For what primary purpose were UAVs originally used?

UAVs, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, were originally developed primarily for reconnaissance purposes. Their initial applications were heavily focused on military operations, where they provided a means to gather intelligence, conduct surveillance, and perform reconnaissance missions without risking human life. This capability allowed for the observation of enemy movements and terrain without putting pilots in danger, which was a crucial advantage in military strategy. The technology evolved from these roots, leading to broader applications in various fields, but their fundamental design and initial purpose were centered around reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.