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Paris Air Show: Watching the Watchkeeper

8th June 2015 - 11:05 GMT | by Richard Thomas in London

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The UK’s Watchkeeper tactical UAS could operate from austere airstrips by 2017, it has emerged.

During a media briefing at the Thales facility at Gennevilliers on 2 June, Lt Col Craig Palmer, British Army Watchkeeper programme manager, said: ‘The next milestone will be reaching full operational capability by 2017, including de-icing and (taking off from) austere airstrips. Developments in a few years could include sensors, data links, and bigger engines.’

The British Army is continuing its development programme, while advancing efforts to integrate the system into civilian airspace and the training of operators by UK instructors gather pace.

Palmer said

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