UK needs to use military drones, say MPs

An RQ-9 Predator B - now MQ-9 Reaper

Tuesday, 05, Aug 2008 12:01

MPs have today called for an improvement in the way the Ministry of Defence (MoD) uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) - otherwise known as drones - in battle.

The Commons defence committee suggests that while UAVs are "providing battle winning capabilities" for UK forces on current operations, there are still "a wide range of challenges… which have to addressed in order to fully exploit the benefits offered".

UAVs have become an important method of collection intelligence surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) for Britain's armed forces.

The MoD currently uses a number of different types, including the Reaper which has already fired its weapons system in support of coalition forces in Afghanistan.

The defence committee said that while invaluable data was being collected by UAVs, "improvements are needed in how the information is processed and disseminated".

Two major programmes involving the unmanned vehicles are currently being developed, Defence Information Infrastructure and DABINETT, but the former is already experiencing delays.

MPs today called for the MoD to ensure the programmes are delivered on time so that the information UAVs provide can be fully exploited.

Committee chairman, James Arbuthnot, said: "The MoD was perhaps slow to appreciate the potential of UAVs, but now recognises the important contribution they can make.

"The UAVs acquired for current operations are proving very effective in collecting ISTAR information. However, improvements are required in how this information is processed and disseminated.

"The MoD must push forward with its planned improvements so that our armed forces can continue to achieve information superiority over the enemy."

In response to the report, minister for armed forces, Bob Ainsworth, said: "Unmanned aerial vehicles are giving our forces the vital information they need to stay one step ahead of the enemy.

"Whether it be targeting Taliban or supporting troops on patrol, their ability to feed back images and videos in real time, loiter over and survey an area for enemy activity means they are an invaluable asset for our ground commanders.

"They have a crucial role to play in future operations and we will continue to invest in them."

The MoD said it would respond fully to parliament on the report's recommendations and conclusions in due course.