Drones

France to arm surveillance & intelligence drones – defense minister

The decision will initially apply to the six unarmed Reaper surveillance drones that France bought from the US, Parly said, adding that the UAVs will be armed from 2019.

Most of those UAVs are based in Africa's Sahel region, and are being used in the fight against Islamic extremists, according to AP. 

According to Parly, the drones will "pose a permanent threat to armed terrorist groups" in the areas where the country's military operates.

Arming the drones will also give the UAVs "endurance, discretion, surveillance and strike capability at the right place and the right moment," Parly said.

She added that the armed drones will also help the country's military become "more effective" and allow it to better use its fighter jets, helicopters and other aircraft.

However, Parly added that the drones won't become "killer robots," adding that airstrikes would be subject to strict domestic and international rules regarding the use of force.