Spy Review

Advanced military technology currently used by the British military will soon be used in England to catch crime as it occurs. According to a recent article in the Times Online, the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are commonly used to keep tabs on the enemy in the battlefield, but are now going to be deployed in Essex and Kent with the hope of spotting muggers, car thieves and those who are attempting to enter England illegally and then directing further investigation from police on ground.

While some consider high level military technology a bit unnecessary for civil crimes in places like Essex and Kent, police and BAE systems—who are working together to bring UAVs to England–are hopeful that the UAVs will be useful in their efforts to fight crime. This hope is based on the fact that remote-controlled aircraft—less sophisticated and developed than UAVs—has already had a positive impact on other places with crime. UAVs, with their ability to change their mission in order to pursue perceived threats, are much more useful than traditional remote-controlled aircraft and should make more of difference.

One clear advantage UAVs have over other aircraft is that they may remain in the air for up to 24 hours if they do not carry too much equipment, are smaller and quieter than traditional helicopter surveillance, and can detect biological, radiation and chemical emissions.

Another advantage of operating such planes is that in the long run they are much more cost effective than operating real helicopters.

BAE hopes to develop UAVs for civilian applications in time for the 2012 Olympics, to be held in London. Click to read more on the story.