The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Defence Technology met on Monday 28th April at a meeting Chaired by Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Member of Parliament for Solihull West & Shirley and British Army Veteran.
The APPG for Defence Technology was joined by specialists from Delian, Point Zenith, and Windracers to discuss the use and future possibilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, commonly known as drones) in modern warfare and humanitarian efforts.
Drones have become a critical asset in modern warfare, offering precise surveillance, pinpoint strike capabilities, and real-time intelligence gathering. In the Ukrainian and Russian conflict 80% of casualties have been caused by drones. Their ability to operate without risking pilot lives, combined with advancements in autonomy and sensor technology, allows military forces to conduct targeted operations with greater efficiency and accuracy.
Additionally, drones are increasingly employed in humanitarian operations, offering rapid and cost-effective solutions for disaster response, medical supply delivery, and infrastructure assessment while minimising logistical challenges. Drones are equipped with advanced imaging technologies and can quickly survey zones. They have the added benefit of being able to get to hard to reach areas with poor infrastructure, which has often been a challenge when it comes to medical and food delivery to those most in need.
Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst MP said:
I would like to thank our partners from Delian, Point Zenith, and Windracers for joining the APPG for Defence Technology today to discuss UAVs.
The war in Ukraine has unveiled the impact that UAVs can make in modern warfare and humanitarian efforts. That is why it is of critical importance that the UK continues to invest in our UAV capabilities. We must also look to invest in technology that can defend us from drone attacks and swarms, which is why I was delighted to see the recent progress of the Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon, announced by James Cartlidge when he was Minister of State for Defence Procurement in the last Conservative Government.
At the APPG for Defence Technology, we are championing the discussion for the UK to be a world leader in modern defence technology and working cross-Party to ensure this is on the Government’s agenda.
