Elizabeth Leigh
Michael Horowitz, associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has recommended the government re-examine its export policy on unmanned aircraft systems and warnedthat limitations could lose the country’s lead in the technology to partner nations, Defense News reported Thursday.
“Building partner capacity to substitute or supplement for American capabilities is an important national security priority, and there is a strong demand signal (for drones),†Horowitz told participants of a Center for Strategic and International Studies panel discussion, according to the report.
Aaron Mehta writes that Horowitz sees such efforts as potentially going a long way to promoting responsible use of drone technology and providing partners access to U.S. knowledge and training.
“I think it’s possible for the United States to design a responsible export policy that involves allowing more arms systems out the door to our closest allies and partners,†Horowitz said.
CSIS hosted the panel discussion to launch the release of its new report, Sustaining the U.S. Lead in Unmanned Systems, which highlights decreasing DoD money for drones research amid an environment where more than a dozen countries are working do built their own armed drones.
