With the innovative application of science and technology, the use of unmanned combat systems in modern wars has become more common and achieved good combat results, such as the patrol missile widely used in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the conflict between Palestine and Israel. Patrol missile is a new type of intelligent weapon with the cross integration of advanced UAV technology and cruise missile technology. It is a multi-purpose ammunition with the ability of long-term air cruise, target positioning, precise strike and combat damage assessment. It has the remarkable characteristics of convenient deployment, fast response speed and low noise, which has aroused the focus of attention of various military powers on individual patrol missile. This paper summarizes the development status of patrol missile at home and abroad, studies the performance characteristics and key technologies of individual patrol missile, and makes an in-depth analysis of its operational application. Finally, it puts forward the direction of future development of individual patrol missile, which provides ideas for the follow-up research.