US drones could be set to take to skies across the globe, although they might not be wearing the colors of American armed forces. As part of a new policy, the US government may be set to amp up drone exports to a wider range of countries.
According to IHS Jane's, the new policy was the result of an "intensive interagency process" to determine new export requests. Those requests will be looked at "on a case-by-case basis, a State Department official told Jane's.
"We want to make sure that transfers are done as responsibly as possible," the official said.
To back up that claim, the State Department released a fact sheet that outlined necessary requirements for the sale to take place, including the use of drones "in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as applicable."
Beyond that, the US government is requiring that the drones can only be used when there's "a lawful basis," while prohibiting "unlawful surveillance or use" against civilians.
It's unclear which countries could be targeted for sale, although we somehow doubt there is any shortage of outlets for US drone technology. Currently, Uncle Sam only sells its drones to close allies, like the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan.
According to IHS Jane's, the new policy was the result of an "intensive interagency process" to determine new export requests. Those requests will be looked at "on a case-by-case basis, a State Department official told Jane's.
"We want to make sure that transfers are done as responsibly as possible," the official said.
To back up that claim, the State Department released a fact sheet that outlined necessary requirements for the sale to take place, including the use of drones "in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as applicable."
Beyond that, the US government is requiring that the drones can only be used when there's "a lawful basis," while prohibiting "unlawful surveillance or use" against civilians.
It's unclear which countries could be targeted for sale, although we somehow doubt there is any shortage of outlets for US drone technology. Currently, Uncle Sam only sells its drones to close allies, like the United Kingdom, Italy and Japan.
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