New defence review to target terrorist drones

Ways to counter the use of drones for terrorist activity are being considered as part of the Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Among growing fears that terrorist groups could use remotely piloted drones to launch attacks, carrying home made explosives or chemical weapons, the Ministry of Defence will consider how to equip British Armed Forces to counter these kind of threats.

During Commons defence questions, Barry Sheerman MP asked the government: “There’s no doubt that increasingly drones will be used by terrorists. Once this technology exists, it will not only be in the hands of people that we approve of, and what are you going to do about that.”

In response to Sheerman’s question, Armed Forces minister Penny Mordaunt acknowledged that such attacks were an ‘emerging threat’ and confirmed that a clear strand within the Strategic Defence and Security Review is looking at counter measures for such situations.