Drones similar to those deployed in Syria could be used to fight groups like Extinction Rebellion
DRONES similar to those used to blast terrorists in Syria and Afghanistan could replace police helicopters and fight domestic crims like Extinction Rebellion.
Cops in Wales used a high tech Elbit Systems Hermes 900 drone in simulation exercises which would normally be carried out by police choppers.
The Hermes 900 is similar to the RAF’s Reaper drones which target terrorists in combat zones in the Middle East – but the Israeli made drone can also be used for reconnaissance and monitoring.
Policing Minister Kit Malthouse said: “Our police confront danger to protect us and they deserve the best tools and the best technology.
“These trials may point to a new and more effective way for the police’s air service to do its vital job - finding missing people and bearing down on crime.”
Captain Ollie Dismore, Director of Flight Operations at the National Police Air Service added: “Meeting the diverse needs of the police forces of England and Wales requires both flexibility and versatility.
“With continuous advances in UAV capabilities, UK policing is rightly seeking to explore the viability of platforms such as these for possible future use in delivering police air support nationally.
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“Currently serviced by our national mixed fleet of helicopters and aeroplanes, police forces require us to embrace innovation and make use of advancing technology, including seizing opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint.
"This will allow us to continue to make the best use of resources into the future and best ensure public safety.
“If this technology enables us to fulfil our national remit more efficiently and either as or more effectively than with our current assets, then it will be considered as part of a future national police air service fleet.”
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