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.