The Belgian Defense wants to equip itself with 4 MALE drones "armables" which will not be armed
Posted on 10 February 2018 by France Révolution
In order to replace its 11 old B-Hunter UAVs from the 80th UAV Squadron, the Belgian Defense is considering the acquisition of four new MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) aircraft capable of being armed for 226 million euros. The SkyGuardian of the American manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (which is a more enduring evolution of the MQ-9 Reaper) and the Heron TP of the Israeli IAI would be in the running.
Only the fact that these future UAVs can be armed is a debate within the political class of Beyond-Quiévrain. During a questioning session in the House of Representatives, the Belgian Minister of Defense, Steven Vandeput, was arrested on this issue.
"This is a key political issue that deserves public debate, as these UAVs are presented as ultimately equipment that will serve us to improve our intelligence and surveillance capabilities. [...] But, de facto, they are combat drones. They have this capacity, "said the centrist MP Georges Dallemagne.
"For the first time, Belgium is armed with armaments to fight remotely, on land far from where the military operate. A priori, I am not opposed to such equipment but you understand that we are entering another environment that deserves a debate on ethical and legal issues, "added the parliamentarian, who echoed the concerns expressed by other policy makers.
For Mr Vandeput, this debate is not relevant. At least not yet. "They will be armored drones but they will not be armed. If, in the event that it is necessary - or would seem necessary - to really have the bombing capacity [for these drones], then this will be a new discussion and a new decision within the government, "he replied. .
This debate about whether or not to arm drones does not only concern Belgium. He landed in France, where, finally, it was recently decided to allow the Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drones to carry ammunition.
"An armed drone is not a killer robot. These are two systems that have nothing like it. This decision does not change the rules on the use of force, respect for the law of armed conflict and I remain more than ever committed to respect for international law and our commitments to arms control and the preservation of civilian populations. in conflicts, "said Florence Parly, the Minister of Armies, last September.
In Germany, this question divides the political class, the elected representatives of the CDU / CSU (right) being favorable while those of the SPD (left) are hostile, even refusing to vote the necessary credits for the rental of 5 UAVs Heron TP from IAI.
http://france-revolution-investigat...es-male-armables-qui-ne-seront-pas-armes.html
Posted on 10 February 2018 by France Révolution
In order to replace its 11 old B-Hunter UAVs from the 80th UAV Squadron, the Belgian Defense is considering the acquisition of four new MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) aircraft capable of being armed for 226 million euros. The SkyGuardian of the American manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (which is a more enduring evolution of the MQ-9 Reaper) and the Heron TP of the Israeli IAI would be in the running.
Only the fact that these future UAVs can be armed is a debate within the political class of Beyond-Quiévrain. During a questioning session in the House of Representatives, the Belgian Minister of Defense, Steven Vandeput, was arrested on this issue.
"This is a key political issue that deserves public debate, as these UAVs are presented as ultimately equipment that will serve us to improve our intelligence and surveillance capabilities. [...] But, de facto, they are combat drones. They have this capacity, "said the centrist MP Georges Dallemagne.
"For the first time, Belgium is armed with armaments to fight remotely, on land far from where the military operate. A priori, I am not opposed to such equipment but you understand that we are entering another environment that deserves a debate on ethical and legal issues, "added the parliamentarian, who echoed the concerns expressed by other policy makers.
For Mr Vandeput, this debate is not relevant. At least not yet. "They will be armored drones but they will not be armed. If, in the event that it is necessary - or would seem necessary - to really have the bombing capacity [for these drones], then this will be a new discussion and a new decision within the government, "he replied. .
This debate about whether or not to arm drones does not only concern Belgium. He landed in France, where, finally, it was recently decided to allow the Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drones to carry ammunition.
"An armed drone is not a killer robot. These are two systems that have nothing like it. This decision does not change the rules on the use of force, respect for the law of armed conflict and I remain more than ever committed to respect for international law and our commitments to arms control and the preservation of civilian populations. in conflicts, "said Florence Parly, the Minister of Armies, last September.
In Germany, this question divides the political class, the elected representatives of the CDU / CSU (right) being favorable while those of the SPD (left) are hostile, even refusing to vote the necessary credits for the rental of 5 UAVs Heron TP from IAI.
http://france-revolution-investigat...es-male-armables-qui-ne-seront-pas-armes.html
