Protests Against New Armed Drones at Lincolnshire RAF Base
Activists are set to congregate outside a Royal Air Force (RAF) base in Lincolnshire, protesting the introduction of new armed drones. Identified as Protectors (MQ-9B), these advanced technological aircraft will soon undergo rigorous test flights at RAF Waddington before deployment on global surveillance missions.
Opposition from Drone Wars UK
While the Ministry of Defence champions the new armed drones as a vehicle for protecting against potential global adversaries, campaigners from Drone Wars UK raise considerable objections. The group argues these remote-operated devices, with an impressive wingspan of 79-foot and loaded with Brimstone missiles and laser-guided bombs, pose significant ethical problems. The main protest is scheduled for Monday, November 13, with demonstrators convening outside the main gate.
"While the military use of large drones has grown significantly over the past decade, the technology itself is still far from mature." - Chris Cole from Drone Wars.
Queen's Eye in the Sky: Concerns About Civilian Risk
According to campaigners, the use of such devices places the risk of combat uncomfortably onto civilians, warning that the increased drone operations will escalate 'targeted killing' by governments. Drones are primarily used against international combatants and counter-terrorism operations, but can also assist the Coast Guard in search and rescue missions.
Drones Prone to Crashing
The campaigners have also expressed safety concerns for the residents of Waddington, suggesting that the drones are susceptible to crashing. Several crashes have happened, including the seventh Watchkeeper drone off the Cyprus coast in June 2022, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The Protector to Replace the Reaper Drone
Expected to enter active service in 2024, the new Protector will replace the 15-year-old Reaper drone. These machines will be controlled remotely from the North Kesteven station by the reformed 31 Squadron. Defence procurement minister James Cartlidge shared his enthusiasm about the advanced capabilities the Protector will add to the UK's defence armamentarium. Testing of the Protectors, which includes circuit flying above the base and perfecting take-off and landing procedures, began on October 23.