§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans his Department has to develop unmanned combat vehicles; and if he will make a statement. [125424]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence currently does not have any plans to develop an unmanned land combat vehicle. We are, however, conducting broad research into robotics technologies and remote operation for military vehicles.
Remote control is at present used only for explosive ordnance disposal vehicles but Terrier, the replacement engineer tractor, will be fitted for, but not with, an ability for remote operation; it is likely the Future Engineer Tank will also be so fitted. The possibility of remotely operating armoured vehicles for obstacle and mine clearance roles in Bosnia was examined but not pursued.