Exporting Unmanned Aerial Systems - Good Idea or Bad Move?

2015-02-19T00:42:44-05:00

This past Tuesday, the White House announced that it has enacted a new export policy for military unmanned aerial systems (UAS) that will allow for the sale and transfer of the drones to international countries.

Here's the official State Department release: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/02/237541.htm

I cannot wait to read how you feel about this.

U.S. Export Policy for Military Unmanned Aerial Systems

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 18 at 2015 6:55 PM

2015-02-18T18:55:42-05:00

I think it's almost inevitable, SGT Jim Z., that this policy will result in our exported drones eventually landing in the hands of the bad guys. We'll sell them to trusted allies, and some of the exported drones will mysteriously wind up in the hands of folks like ISIS. It's almost a foregone conclusion. Maybe not in large numbers, but still.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Feb 19 at 2015 12:44 AM

2015-02-19T00:44:44-05:00

Frankly, I don't see how this makes any damn sense. How long before we have to start worrying about them falling into the wrong hands?

Response by SSG Sean Garcia made Feb 19 at 2015 12:46 AM

2015-02-19T00:46:29-05:00

HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE idea! I feel that nothing good can come of this, I hope that I am wrong

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 19 at 2015 12:52 AM

2015-02-19T00:52:36-05:00

Response by SSG Christopher Parrish made Feb 19 at 2015 12:00 PM

2015-02-19T12:00:37-05:00

But the potential buyers have to agree to a set of terms, so what could go wrong?

I think it is a very bad idea.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 19 at 2015 1:33 PM

2015-02-19T13:33:49-05:00

What could go wrong?

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Feb 19 at 2015 2:59 PM

2015-02-19T14:59:24-05:00

So in a few years when I am leaving my home and I hear that lawn mower sound overhead, should I be more or less concerned?

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 29 at 2016 4:55 AM

2016-02-29T04:55:24-05:00

We already sell F-16s and F-15s, and plan to sell the F-35 to other countries, why should this be different. I am in the UAS business. We crash these things CONSTANTLY. Why not make money on other countries crashing them too? Hell, lets mark them up 100 or 200% then give them a 25% discount on bulk purchases of 10 or more. LOL

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 29 at 2016 6:43 AM

2016-02-29T06:43:02-05:00

What's next? Are we going to start selling them the blueprints to our nuclear systems too? or better yet, let's just sell them a couple. I think this is a bad, bad, bad idea.