In the dispute over the armament of the future German Armed Forces drone Heron TP, the Armed Forces Commissioner Eva Högl spoke out clearly in favor of the armaments project. She referred to the protection of soldiers on deployments abroad and stated that she believed it was right to make a decision during this legislative period. “My stance is unchanged. I consider it necessary and advisable to arm drones,” said the SPD politician.

Back to the beginning The SPD parliamentary group agreed on Tuesday to want to discuss the topic again in principle. So it is probably off the table for the remaining term of the grand coalition. That was heavily criticized from within the Union. Opposition politicians hold the SPD against not wanting to decide despite years of debates. “If we do not take the decision to arm drones now, that will set us back considerably,” said the defense policy spokesman for the Union, Henning Otte, of the Rheinische Post (Thursday). The defense policy spokesman for the SPD parliamentary group, Fritz Felgentreu, resigned from the position of spokesman in protest against the parliamentary group’s attitude.

“My point of view is that of the soldiers. It would significantly increase security during operations. It would also make the response options more flexible, “said Högl. At the moment it is the case that German soldiers are dependent on the support of the Americans in the event of a threat. “I think it is imperative to give the Bundeswehr these skills as well,” said Högl.

No firm opinion Proponents of armed drones always argue with the protection of soldiers. Above all, critics argue that the inhibition threshold for the use of military force can drop because drones are controlled remotely and no own soldiers are endangered when they are deployed.

“Indeed: The debate was in the discussed carefully and in detail over the past few years. That is also good and correct, “said Högl. The decision is difficult and the nature of the matter is controversial. The international legal framework as well as the ethical and human rights foundations must be clarified. This also applies to the rules set by the Bundestag.

“I think the question of whether we should arm the drones is ripe for a decision” said Högl. However, she also perceives that many do not yet have a solid opinion. “For example, we haven’t had a majority in the German Bundestag so far. That’s about half-half. In society, too, we have roughly 50: 50 Approval of armed drones. The latest surveys show that, “said Högl.

It is also clear that Germany does not do everything that is technical is possible and the Bundestag has control. “And I go one step further. As Germans, we could also set a good example for the responsible use of drones in accordance with international law. I would like that,” she said. “That’s why I think that such an operation is not only responsible, but also urgently required to protect the soldiers.”

(kbe)