Protest against use of new Protector drones to be held at gates of RAF Waddington

Activists are planning to protest at RAF Waddington against the use of new armed drones, specifically the Protectors (MQ-9B), which are set to undergo flight tests at the base before being deployed on global surveillance missions. The Ministry of Defence asserts that these drones will enhance the UK’s ability to monitor potential threats worldwide, but campaigners from Drone Wars UK argue that their use raises significant ethical concerns. They believe that drones shift the risks of combat onto civilians and could lead to an increase in targeted killings by governments.

Campaigners also express concerns over the safety of these drones, citing past incidents where similar drones have crashed, potentially endangering local residents. Despite these worries, the UK is moving forward with the integration of 15 more Protectors from the US company General Atomics, with deliveries set over the next two years. Trials, including take-off and landing procedures, began in October, marking the beginning of a new era in the UK’s surveillance and precision strike capabilities. The protest is scheduled for November 13 outside the base’s main gate. Read More