US approves a bill to allow tracking of Turkish armed drones
US President Joe Biden has signed a defence bill that would allow the US government to track and assess the national security implications of Turkey's expanding drone programme. The US believes that these drones "contribute to regional and international instability".
The bill is supported by the increased demand for armed Turkish drones, having proven their effectiveness in several conflict zones or areas of tension such as Azerbaijan, Libya and Ethiopia. In addition, there is unprecedented demand for Turkish drones from countries such as Poland, Ukraine, Angola, Niger, Nigeria and Rwanda. However, Turkey's expansionist intentions raise international concerns over fears of increased regional and international instability over drones.
The law allows the US Department to report on Turkish drone exports and whether those drones contain parts or technology manufactured by US companies. In addition, the law also allows for a determination of whether Turkish exports constitute a violation of the Arms Export Control Act.
Members of the House are asking US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for a briefing on Turkey's drone programme. "We have long given Turkey access to the highest levels of military technology. It is imperative that US technology be used in accordance with US interests, values and alliances." In doing so, the congressmen are asking Secretary Blinken to investigate whether Turkey's drone programme violates US law or destabilises areas where the US has national security interests.
Ethiopia in particular has been the most worrying case for the US. The prime minister has purchased armed drones for use against TPLF rebel fighters. Washington said it had "serious humanitarian concerns" about the sales, which could conflict with US restrictions on arms exports to Addis Ababa in a conflict that has left thousands of victims and people on the brink of extreme famine. In September, the White House already agreed to impose sanctions on those who engage in policies that threaten or impede humanitarian assistance there, as is the case with Turkey, which has so far not registered any sanctions. The signing of this defence bill also includes accelerating the imposition of these sanctions.
Already last year members of the US House of Representatives addressed Blinken, expressing concern about Turkey's armed drone programme, "which has destabilised multiple regions of the world, including threats to the interests of the United States, its allies and its partners". For its part, Erdogan's government responded by purchasing Russian S-400 air defence systems, forcing Congress to expel Turkey from the F-35 production programme and impose sanctions.
