German Defense Minister calls for urgent purchase of armed drones

German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht made her case for acquiring armed drones in an interview, Report informs.

The Social Democrat (SPD) told members of the Funke media group that Germany must guarantee the best possible protection to its soldiers.

However, she spoke out against autonomous weapon systems. "It must always and ultimately be the human being who decides, not a computer. If that is guaranteed, then armed drones can serve to protect the soldiers," Lambrecht said.

The minister pointed to the agreement drawn up by the SPD, the Greens, and the Free Democrats when the parties agreed to form Germany's new coalition government. Part of that deal was a pledge to acquire armed drones.