Drone Wars appeal

Posted: 16th June 2025

You will no doubt have seen yesterday’s news that the UK will ‘invest’ £2bn in new drones and military AI systems as part of the Strategic Defence Review.

Many politicians and media commentators are falling over themselves to argue that this is not actually enough and that the UK should further increase such spending in order to, as Starmer directly puts it, ‘prepare for war’.  

We are one of the few voices in the media at the moment challenging this nonsense, and making the argument that spending such vast sums on weapons while our public services are being slashed is madness.    

We argue that the real way to increase security for both people in the UK and around the globe is to work with other states to uphold international law, build support for international dispute resolving mechanisms and address the underlying causes of enduring violent conflict. Building and strengthening such capabilities would help rebuild relationships at the international, regional and local level. Investing in diplomacy, for example, rather than drones at this time of international tension would really help to build international cooperation and ensure a basis for long-term peace and security. 

Please Help!

As we mark our 15th year, the harm caused by the proliferation of military drones, challenging the development of autonomous weapons as well as the increasing militarisation of space, needs more and more attention while our resources are spread thinner and thinner.  

We have launched an appeal to mark our 15th birthday to help us make a real impact as the government ramps up support for drone warfare.  

If you can, please donate here or via our website. All donations large and small will directly help challenge high tech warfare. Please do support us if you can.  

Thank you.  

The Drone Wars Team.   

PS. Please do spread the world on social media. A birthday greeting with a link to our website or fundraising appeal would really be helpful!