Question 6

Question 1

Types of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs):

Answer 1

Predator Drone: Known for its long-endurance surveillance and targeted strike capabilities, the Predator is equipped with cameras and weapons systems, allowing it to conduct reconnaissance and engage enemy targets.
Reaper Drone: Similar to the Predator but larger and with increased payload capacity, the Reaper is capable of carrying a variety of munitions, including precision-guided missiles and bombs, making it suitable for both surveillance and offensive missions.
Global Hawk: A high-altitude, long-endurance UAV designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, the Global Hawk provides real-time imagery and data for monitoring enemy activities over large areas.

Question 2

Predator Drone:

Answer 2

Known for its long-endurance surveillance and targeted strike capabilities, the Predator is equipped with cameras and weapons systems, allowing it to conduct reconnaissance and engage enemy targets.

Question 3

Reaper Drone:

Answer 3

Similar to the Predator but larger and with increased payload capacity, the Reaper is capable of carrying a variety of munitions, including precision-guided missiles and bombs, making it suitable for both surveillance and offensive missions.

Question 4

Global Hawk:

Answer 4

A high-altitude, long-endurance UAV designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, the Global Hawk provides real-time imagery and data for monitoring enemy activities over large areas.

Question 5

Three Major Tasks (3-D’s) for Military Robots:

Answer 5

Dull: Robots excel at tasks that are repetitive, monotonous, or mundane, such as patrolling, surveillance, and reconnaissance, freeing up human resources for more complex operations.
Dirty: Robots can be deployed in hazardous or contaminated environments where human presence is risky, such as chemical or biological warfare zones, to conduct tasks like bomb disposal or decontamination.
Dangerous: Robots can undertake high-risk missions, such as direct combat engagement or clearing enemy-held areas, reducing the exposure of human soldiers to harm and casualties.

Question 6

Reasons for Circumventing Public Debate:

Answer 6

Some observers believe that governments may prefer to deploy unmanned weapons systems because they can conduct military operations with minimal public scrutiny or debate. Without risking human lives, decision-makers may feel less pressure to justify their actions or seek public approval before engaging in conflict.
The perceived “costless” nature of unmanned warfare, where the human toll is significantly reduced, may make it easier for governments to escalate military interventions without facing domestic opposition or backlash from the electorate.
Unmanned systems offer the potential for swift and precise military strikes, allowing governments to bypass lengthy deliberations or diplomatic negotiations and respond quickly to perceived threats or provocations.

Question 7

Technical and Ethical Problems with Military Robots:

Answer 7

Technical challenges include ensuring the reliability and autonomy of robotic systems, preventing malfunctions or errors that could result in unintended harm or collateral damage.
Ethical concerns center around issues such as accountability, as autonomous robots may lack human judgment and decision-making capabilities, raising questions about responsibility for actions taken in the heat of battle.
The proliferation of unmanned weapons systems could exacerbate arms races and heighten tensions between nations, leading to increased likelihood of conflict escalation and destabilization.
There are also concerns about the potential for misuse or abuse of robotic technology, including unauthorized access or hacking of autonomous systems by adversaries, resulting in unintended consequences or unintended targets being engaged.