News / Military

US State Department announces new rules for drone exports

Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:42 AM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 18 February 2015 12:42 AM ]

Multiple exposure image shows the launch of an all-electric, fuel cell-powered, unmanned aerial system from a submerged submarine at the Atlantic Undersea Test & Evaluation Center. (AFP)

The United States has announced new rules for exports of armed military drones to other countries.

The US State Department made the announcement on Tuesday, saying the sales of drones would only be available through government programs.

“The United States has a responsibility to ensure that sales, transfers, and subsequent use of all US-origin UAS [unmanned aerial systems] are responsible and consistent with US national security and foreign policy interests, including economic security, as well as with US values and international standards,” read a statement by the State Department.

The country that buys the drones will have to agree to certain conditions prior to the purchase regarding how they will be used.

The recipient is “required to agree to end-use assurances as a condition of sale or transfer”, the statement said.

The United States carries out targeted killings through drone strikes in several countries including Yemen, Pakistan, and Somalia on the pretext of striking militants.

While Washington claims the targets of the drone attacks are militants, many maintain that, in most cases, civilians have been the victims of the attacks over the past few years.

NT/NT

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