A deadly American drone known as a Reaper has landed on Australian soil for the first time to show off its lethal capabilities to the Defence Force, which soon plans to operate armed drones for the first time.
Key points:
- Defence Force considering two types of armed drones
- Ethical issued raise about armed drones in warfare
- Defence Minister says human will always have oversight
Australia already uses drones for intelligence and surveillance, but adding weaponised Reapers would represent a new chapter for the Defence Force.
As part of the war on terror president Barack Obama approved drone strikes mainly in the Middle East, which are estimated to have killed around 7,000 people, some found to be innocent bystanders.
The killings sparked political controversy and ethical concerns as portrayed in the recent movie, Eye in the Sky.
Defence Minister Marise Payne said Australia would always consider its legal and ethical obligations.
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