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<p>We have studied the Report, which is a useful contribution to discussion of issues
around the use of armed drones. <br><br>The UK has repeatedly set out its policy position
on the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), including at the UN General
Assembly and the UN Human Rights Council. The UK’s fleet of armed RPAS are operated
by highly trained Royal Air Force personnel in accordance with International Humanitarian
Law and UK Rules of Engagement. The same strict Rules of Engagement that govern the
use of conventional manned military aircraft also apply to RPAS, this includes robust
criteria on establishing positive identification and requires commanders to do everything
feasible to verify that the target is a military objective. The UK believes that existing
international law sufficiently covers the use of RPAS, which are subject to the same
legal considerations as other weapons systems.</p>
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