Germany
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Should the Bundeswehr be equipped with armed drones?

Poll results

Should the Bundeswehr be equipped with armed drones?
Support
Reject
Don't know
77%
17%
6%
PolitPro Community – 3523 respondents – 04.09.2023-11.09.2023

Poll information

Should the Bundeswehr be equipped with armed drones? 77% of respondents are in favor of equipping the Bundeswehr with armed drones, while 17% are against.

:undecided% chose the answer "Don't know". The survey was conducted among 3523 users of the PolitPro app during 04.09.2023-11.09.2023. The results are not representative, but may give a rough idea of the political mood around the issue.

Pros - What's in favor?

  1. Effectiveness and precision: armed drones can enable a more precise and targeted application of weapons. This allows military operations to be conducted more effectively, reducing the risk to both friendly troops and civilians.
  2. Protecting friendly soldiers: The use of armed drones makes it possible to attack enemy targets from a distance without putting ground troops in direct danger. This minimizes the risk to friendly personnel and increases the safety of soldiers.
  3. Flexibility and surveillance: drones can be used for reconnaissance and surveillance to detect and engage enemy activity early. They offer a wide range of operational capabilities and can respond quickly and flexibly to changing situations.

Cons - What's against it?

  1. Ethical Concerns: The use of armed drones raises ethical issues, particularly with respect to remote control and the potential loss of direct human control over the use of force. There is concern that this could lead to a devaluation of human life and an increased tendency toward warfare.
  2. Rule of Law and Transparency: the use of armed drones may affect the transparency and accountability of military operations. There is a risk that decisions on the use of force and target selection will be made through a non-transparent process, which could lead to abuses and potential violations of international law.
  3. Risk of escalation and arms race: Equipping the Bundeswehr with armed drones could lead to an increased risk of escalation, especially if other states enter into an arms race. This could lead to further militarization and insecurity in the international community.