Abstract

Canada's Department of National Defence recently initiated long-term strategies to acquire a fleet of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the Canadian Forces. The aim of the initial project, the Joint Uninhabited Surveillance and Target Acquisition System (JUSTAS), is to procure a fleet of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs for domestic surveillance, and international operations. This article first examines whether MALE UAVs are necessary and practical for surveillance of Canada's maritime areas and Arctic region. It then discusses the significant legal, ethical and strategic issues associated with the use of armed MALE UAVS and questions whether the costs of acquiring this additional capability outweigh the benefits.

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