England, France to Partner for Drone Development

For military purposes

Britain and France are to join forces to build a new generation of lethal drones as part of a controversial defence deal.

President François Hollande is due to arrive in Britain on Friday for a summit with David Cameron at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where they are expected to agree to develop an Anglo-French Predator-type military drone.

Britain's current programme relies upon American technology and is primarily operated out of the US due to restrictions on flying unmanned aircraft in European airspace.