British army deploys surveillance drone against migrants
The British army has been drafted in to stop migrant crossings across the English Channel, reportedly via the deployment of a drone.
The Times (August 31) is reporting that an army surveillance drone began patrolling the English Channel overnight, trying to spot migrants crossing from France.
The army is reportedly using the Watchkeeper WK450 unmanned aerial vehicle for the surveillance mission.
The sole Watchkeeper drone reportedly undertook a seven-hour flight early this morning. It was launched from Lydd airport in Kent and it is believed to be operated by the 47th Regiment Royal Artillery.
The Ministry of Defense (MoD) ordered 54 Watchkeepers in July 2007, and the first drones were delivered to the army in April 2010.
Currently the British army operates at least 45 Watchkeeper drones, which cost the MoD £1.08 billion to acquire, more than £200 million above their original budgeted cost.
The migrant crossings across the English Channel – and the government’s apparent inability to stop it - are proving to be a major headache for Home Secretary, Priti Patel.
The vexed issue has put considerable strain on Anglo-French relations, with officials on both sides refusing to take full responsibility for the dangerous crossings which potentially place migrants’ lives at risk.
Britain’s embattled Home Secretary caused controversy earlier this month by insinuating that the migrant crisis is in part indicative of a French “racist” attitude.
However, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has apparently given Patel his full endorsement over her handling of the crisis, including the delicate negotiations with the French authorities.
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