The U.S. Now Wants to Compete With China in the Fast-Growing Armed Drone Market in Africa and the Middle East

A Nigerian Air Force Chinese-made CH-3 armed attack drone.

The United States is easing restrictions on the sale of armed drone technology to governments in the Middle East and elsewhere in a bid to avoid being left behind by Chinese competitors in this fast-growing segment. 

The United States has now formally changed its interpretation of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), a 35-nation agreement aimed at limiting the proliferation of rocket-based weapons such as ballistic and cruise missiles as well as armed drones.

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by Eric Olander

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