The Parliamentary Defence Committee has decided not to vote on a resolution urging the government to arm drones, according to Tim Vandenput of the Open VLD party.
The decision was taken in light of changing geopolitical and military dynamics, pointing to their increased use in recent conflicts. Notably, they’ve proven decisive in the Ukraine War, Azerbaijan’s retaking of Nagorno-Karabakh is another prime example.
Originally, Flemish liberals Open VLD had requested a study into drone armament, but recently amended this request urging the government to instantly decide on the arming of Belgian drones.
The army had given an opinion in October 2022, stating no legal or ethical objections to arming future drones – the Sky Guardian MQ-9B.
"No obstacles are seen in equipping our four drones. It’s not a debate of having a fleet of 300 drones. Spain, Italy, France and Germany are doing it too. As far as I know, these are not countries run by bloodthirsty monsters," pointed out Denis Ducarme of the French-speaking liberal party, MR.
"We have to accept these types of weapons and I trust how our armed forces will use them," elaborated Georges Dallemagne from centrist Les Engagés party.
On the left, the Belgian greens (Ecolo and Groen) remain the most wary. “Drones create a climate of terror for civilians,” stressed Guillaume Defossé (Ecolo) party. He went on to remark the armament of drones raises many questions and went on to criticise the argument of others are doing it, so we should too.
A majority of liberals (Open VLD and MR), CD&V, Les Engagés, N-VA, and Vlaams Belang were set to vote in favour until Vandenput of Open VLD pulled the vote.
"I consider it necessary to allow room for thought. The debate we conducted can be a basis for the next government," stated Vandenput.
The move has angered members of the majority. “This is ludicrous! Proposing resolutions, mobilising the parliament while there are other texts, and then arriving at this, it’s sheer disrespect for your colleagues,” exclaimed Ducarme.
N-VA, the authors of a similar text, expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity. "Flemish liberals are being held hostage by dogmatic environmentalists. The last Flemish party – with 6% in the polls – is holding the majority hostage," said Theo Francken.
Even though the possibility of a majority vote is now remote, the debate has claimed one casualty: the socialist’s bill prohibiting killer robots. Due to lack of time for discussion and with parliament dissolution looming, the chance of approval before the next vote is highly unlikely.
