- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

Germany, France, Italy Flying Eyes on Drones

© Sputnik / Alexei Danichev / Go to the mediabankUnmanned Aerial Vehicle
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle - Sputnik International
Subscribe
Germany, France and Italy are all set to move ahead with plans for a European-made military drone, the German government told MPs on Monday.

German soldiers stand guard during the NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg's first visit - Sputnik International
NATO-Led Afghan Mission Cost Germany 8.8Bln Euros
Katrin Suder, Secretary of State at the Federal Ministry of Defense, told party leaders in the Bundestag that the three countries hope to sign an agreement to launch the scheme later this year, The Local reported.

A study into how the drone should be developed will be set up at the same time.

The European countries want to build a medium-sized drone capable of carrying weapons, ready for use by the year 2025.

Between now and then, the government hopes to buy or rent American or Israeli-made unmanned aircraft.

Germany already uses the Israeli “Heron 1” drones, which do not carry weapons.

The plan remains controversial in Germany with Green party defense expert Tobias Lindner questioning the need for developing a new drone.

“The ministry has to explain whether a Europe drone project isn't just a policy to support industry, and why solutions available on the open market aren't adequate,” Lindner said.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала