The RAF Have Also Adopted A Drone Strategy

An MQ-9 Reaper drone takes off from Kandahar airbase in southern Afghanistan. Photograph: James Lee Harper/AFP/Getty Images

RAF 'Relying' On Drones In Afghanistan -- The Guardian

Freedom of information request reveals unmanned weapons more prominent in RAF strategy

British forces are relying increasingly on unmanned drones to attack targets in Afghanistan, mirroring controversial tactics used by the US.

New Ministry of Defence figures show the RAF has fired 84 missiles from Reaper drones since they were first deployed there in June 2008, with more than 20 being fired over the past two months.

The RAF has not disclosed the number of US-made Reapers deployed in Afghanistan, but say they will double the total over the next two years. Defence chiefs say they have been slow to recognise their potential, both in a surveillance role and as a weapons carrier.

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My Comment: This Guardian report seems to be more concerned on laying out the objections to using these drones than explaining why they are effective tools against Al Qaeda (CIA Director Panetta quote not withstanding). ROEs are the same as pilots .... if not more so .... and the use of 100 personnel to make sure that one Reaper drone can fly is a bit of stretch.

What I found interesting in this report, was the disclosure that there are some 90 RAF personnel based at Creech US air force base in Nevada. I always assumed that this was an all American base/operation.