Armed drones launched from RAF base in UK – defense ministryApril 27, 2013 - 10:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Armed drone aircraft have been operated remotely from Britain for the first time, the Ministry of Defense has said. It said Reaper drones had flown missions controlled from RAF Waddington, Lincolnshire, where campaign groups are expected to protest against the practice later. The MoD said it respected people's rights to protest peacefully. The drones are mainly used for surveillance, but could use weapons if commanded to by their pilots in the UK. The MoD has defended its use of drones in Afghanistan, which it says have saved the lives of countless military personnel and civilians. The 10 Reaper aircraft are all based in Afghanistan to support UK and coalition forces and can carry 500lb bombs and Hellfire missiles for strikes on insurgents. They are piloted remotely, but launched and landed with human help at Kandahar airbase. The MoD says that when weapons are used, the same rules of engagement are followed that govern the use of weapons on manned aircraft, BBC News reported. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Narek Manasyan wins European Boxing Championships silver for Armenia Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92kg) won Armenia’s second silver medal at the European Boxing Championships 2024 on April 28. Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. |