Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Drones Are Fueling A Global Arms Race

A soldier launches a Tier I Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle "PUMA" during training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Army

Experts: Drones Basis For New Global Arms Race -- USA Today

The success of U.S. drones in Iraq and Afghanistan has triggered a global arms race, raising concerns the remotely piloted aircraft could fall into unfriendly hands, military experts say.

The number of countries that have acquired or developed drones expanded to more than 75, up from about 40 in 2005, according to the Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress. Iran and China are among the countries that have fielded their own systems.

“People have seen the successes we’ve had,” said Lt. Gen. Larry James, the Air Force’s deputy chief of staff for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

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My Comment: The U.N. wants to now use them, and the Chinese and Japanese are rushing to have theirs. Bottom line .... the success of U.S. drones in Iraq and Afghanistan has triggered a global arms race .... and everyone is now rushing to catch up.


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