France deploys armed drones in the Sahel region

American-built Reaper drones fitted with laser-guided missiles have been deployed as part of France’s Barkhane mission in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, French Defense Minister Florence Parly announced.

The drones have been used to provide surveillance support to the mission since 2014 but will now also be able to strike targets.

“This is a new capacity, not a change in doctrine. The rules of engagement of armed drones are exactly the same as for fighter aircraft,” Parly said.

Speaking in Paris, Parly said the drones had been successfully tested at an airbase in Niger’s capital Niamey.

Using armed drones is controversial, with rights groups saying piloting weapons from a distance can dehumanize warfare. The US has been criticized for deploying them in campaigns in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen.

 

Via France 24