NATO chief wants more UAVs in Afghan skies

[unhappycamper]

NATO chief wants more UAVs in Afghan skies
By Lolita C. Baldor and Robert Burns - The Associated Press
Posted : Monday Jan 28, 2008 22:07:32 EST

WASHINGTON — Military commanders are looking for more surveillance and other intelligence-gathering systems to help aid the fight in Afghanistan, the top NATO commander said Monday.

Gen. John Craddock, who also is chief of U.S. European Command, said that while the U.S. currently provides much of the eye-in-the-sky capabilities — which include unmanned aircraft — other allied nations could also contribute needed sensors and other technologies.

“There is an increased requirement for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities,” Craddock said during an interview with The Associated Press.

Craddock’s comments come as commanders begin to put together their list of troop and equipment needs from the allies in advance of a NATO meeting next month. Last year Craddock presented NATO ministers with a plan that called for several thousand additional troops, as well as helicopters and other equipment needs.

This year, he said the updated request likely would include surveillance capabilities, as well as some troop shifts on the battlefield, which he did not detail.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/01/ap_afghanistanuavs_080128/