[Lazamataz]

This signals the end of the firearm as a useful tool to prevent, say, government oppression.

We are, indeed, terribly screwed.

[Oz8509338511]

We the PEOPLE are the government!

[Wonder Warthog]

"This signals the end of the firearm as a useful tool to prevent, say, government oppression."

I don't see how you draw that conclusion. Any active resistance to oppression will be a guerilla action, with snipings, assassinations, and other forms of resistance. How is a swarm of small drones going to negate those??

Besides, those look like great trap targets.

[TigerLikesRooster]

People will have drones of their own, which will run into and crash swarm drones.

[Garth Tater]

This signals the end of the firearm as a useful tool to prevent, say, government oppression.

And we're off to the [arms] races.

The Photonic Fence - Anti-Mosquito Laser Cannon

"Welcome to the future, where your fly swatters and insect repellent have been replaced by auto-targeting laser systems. The “Photonic Fence,” designed by Intellectual Ventures Lab, is capable of detecting, tracking, and destroying mosquitoes in flight using basic components harvested from laser printers, Blu-ray disc writers, camcorders, and video game consoles"