WIREDGOV

Minister responds to defence committee ISTAR report

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE News Release (183/2008) issued by The Government News Network on 5 August 2008

Welcoming the House of Commons Defence Committee report on the contribution of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) capability, Minister for Armed Forces, Bob Ainsworth, said:

"Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are giving our forces the vital information they need to stay one step ahead of the enemy.

"Whether it be targeting Taliban or supporting troops on patrol, their ability to feed back images and videos in real time, loiter over and survey an area for enemy activity means they are an invaluable asset for our ground commanders. They have a crucial role to play in future operations and we will continue to invest in them."

The Ministry of Defence will respond fully to Parliament on the Report's recommendations and conclusions in due course.

Notes to Editors:

1. The Committee took evidence from Director General Combat Air, Air Vice-Marshall Simon Bollom; Capability Manager Information Superiority, Air Vice-Marshall Stuart Butler and Assistant Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice-Marshall Chris Nickols on 06 May 2008.