SN06493.pdf — page 33

33 Overview of military drones used by the UK armed forces 
6.1 Armed RPAS used by the Armed Forces 
The only remotely piloted aircraft in the UK inventory that can carry 
weapons is Reaper. The Government said in 2011 it has no plans to arm 
Watchkeeper.132 Reaper has conducted air strikes during: 
• 
Operation Herrick in Afghanistan: 2008-2014  
• 
Operation Shader in Iraq: 2014 to present 
Regarding future capabilities, the MOD is currently looking to replace 
Reaper with an RPAS that can provide an offensive capability from 2018 
to 2030. This is known as the Protector programme (it was known as 
Scavenger until it was renamed in October 2015). Further ahead, it is 
considering whether an unmanned combat aircraft could be part of a 
future fast-jet fleet from 2030.  
6.2 The Law of Armed Conflict 
International Humanitarian Law, also known as the Law of Armed 
Conflict, forms part of public international law. It seeks to limit the 
effects of armed conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross 
states: “it protects people who are not or are no longer participating in 
hostilities and restricts the means and methods of warfare.”133 
The Government has consistently stated that RPAS strikes are carried 
out in accordance with the Law of Armed Conflict.134 Defence Minister 
Lord Astor of Hever explained in November 2014: 
Armed Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) are operated by 
the UK's Armed Forces in accordance with the same domestic and 
international legal framework and Departmental policy that 
regulates conventional manned aircraft. The Doctrine and Rules of 
Engagement that govern and underpin the use of armed RPAS are 
aligned to both current UK policy and International Humanitarian 
Law (IHL). The UK constantly reviews and updates both its policy 
and doctrine to ensure it remains both operationally effective and 
fully compliant with IHL.135 
The Defence Committee concluded at the end of its inquiry into RPAS 
that it was “satisfied that UK remotely piloted air system operations 
comply fully with international law.”136  
Others take a different view. Public Interest Lawyers has argued that it is 
“highly likely” the UK’s use of drones in Afghanistan is unlawful. PIL 
argues:  
there is a strong probability that the UK has misdirected itself as 
to the requirements of the IHL principles of proportionality, 
distinction and humanity and as to its human rights obligation to 
                                                                                             
132  Defence Committee, Remote Control: Remotely Piloted Air Systems – current and 
future UK use, 25 March 2014, HC 772 2013-14, Ev 1 
133  International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), ‘War and International 
Humanitarian Law’, accessed 13 May 2015  
134  Defence Committee, Remote Control: Remotely Piloted Air Systems – current and 
future UK use, 25 March 2014, HC 772 2013-14, Ev 1;  
135  See for example HL3118, 2 December 2014; HC213743, 6 November 2014; HC Deb 
30 June 2014 c355W; HL Deb 5 February 2014 GC93 
136  Defence Committee, Remote Control: Remotely Piloted Air Systems – current and 
future use, 25 March 2014, HC 772 2013-14, para 163