Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Wallace of Saltaire (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 22 February 2010.

Afghanistan: Improvised Explosive Devices

Question: My Lords, I understand the Americans have found drones very useful as a means of watching when people are likely to be placing IEDs in Afghanistan. Are we doing the same thing, and do we have enough drones for the purpose?

Answer: My Lords, drones are extremely important in that area as well as in other areas. By the end of last year we had increased very significantly our capability in terms of the hours that we have available for drones: by 33 per cent for Hermes, 50 per cent for Desert Hawk, and 80 per cent for our Reaper capability. We acknowledge the very real importance they can play, but I emphasise that the equipment we have is only one part of the battle. It is also about our tactics and procedures, and the training we give our troops. Overall, taking all those things into account, we have made real headway, and we are working very closely with allies to share our experience and indeed to learn from them.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 717 c809
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Defence equipment Bomb disposal Peacekeeping operations Afghanistan ISAF Improvised explosive devices
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk