China also showcased new mobile radar units, unmanned drones and helicopters equipment state-run TV announcers said would be useful for the "new information-based environment."

VOA: standard.2009.10.01

One of the pilots in training - identified as Major C to preserve military secrecy - says having the drones in Afghanistan will be invaluable.

VOA: standard.2010.07.27

Each of the Heron drones costs about $10 million, depending on how it is equipped.

VOA: standard.2010.07.27

"My concern is that these drones, these Predators, are being operated in a framework which may well violate international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

VOA: standard.2009.10.27

The Germans ordered a small fleet of the Heron drones from Israel Aerospace Industries to help prevent civilian casualties and friendly-fire incidents in the rugged Afghan terrain.

VOA: standard.2010.07.27

Independent Russian military analyst Viktor Litovkin says Russia lacks combat support systems rather than firing units, and notes that such systems consist of drones, precision weapons,reconnaissance,navigation, communication,and guidance systems,etc.

VOA: standard.2009.03.20

The United States,Canada,France, Australia and Spain also use drones in Afghanistan.

VOA: standard.2010.07.27

But aerial strikes by U.S.drones against suspected militant targets in the tribal regions have triggered many angry complaints by the Pakistani government, particularly when the attacks result in civilian deaths.

VOA: standard.2009.03.26

"Even though the United States is conducting attacks on Pakistan territory through drones, the United States does not have permission, if you will,to send its own forces into Pakistan territory,".

VOA: standard.2009.09.09

He says the drones could have a huge impact.

VOA: standard.2010.07.27

So that's the main reason why we have the Heron there." Israel is one of the pioneers of combat drones, having used the remote-controlled aircraft in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.

VOA: standard.2010.07.27

U.S.officials have never confirmed the use of Predator drones, but it is widely reported that the Central Intelligence Agency has used them to kill suspected terrorist leaders operating in Pakistan's largely ungoverned tribal areas along its border with Afghanistan.

VOA: standard.2009.10.27