Armed Drone Export Standards Sought by U.S. and Dozens of Allies
- Declaration says the aircraft fall under international law
- Israel, China haven’t agreed to sign on to the declaration
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The Obama administration is working with as many as 40 nations to develop principles for the export of armed drones --- and unarmed versions configured to carry weapons -- in recognition of the booming demand worldwide for pilotless aircraft.
A made public Wednesday by the State Department sets the stage for a meeting next year to create a standards-setting organization. The statement has been signed by some of the U.S.’s closest allies, including the U.K., Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.