US to increase unmanned military flights

(Baonghean) - The US military will increase drone flights over the next four years, in an effort to boost intelligence and strike capabilities in the face of an increasing number of conflict zones, the Wall Street Journal reported on August 16.

A senior defense official told the newspaper that the Pentagon is planning to increase the number of daily flights from 61 currently to 90 by 2019.

The move represents the first significant expansion of the controversial US drone program launched in 2011, and reflects a growing number of global hotspots.

The US X-47B unmanned combat aircraft on the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt. Photo: AFP.

In addition to increasing surveillance operations in areas such as Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, the South China Sea and North Africa, the new US military plan would expand the Pentagon's ability to conduct lethal drone strikes.

The program, which was heavily promoted during President Barack Obama’s presidency, has been the subject of frequent criticism from observers who say the highly secretive drone strikes have killed scores of innocent civilians. Independent organizations say U.S. drone strikes have killed at least 3,000 people, according to the Journal.

Under the new plans, the US Air Force, which currently conducts many missions using drones, would receive more help from the Army, Special Forces Command and government contractors.

Thu Giang

(According to AFP, WSJ)