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Pentagon's rush to counter drone threat may pose safety risks, specialist says

Pentagon's rush to counter drone threat may pose safety risks, specialist says

Summary

A U.S. Army safety expert warned that the military's fast effort to develop and use low-cost drones might be ignoring important safety rules, which could increase the chance of accidents. This warning came after a small drone exploded during testing, injuring a Special Forces soldier.

Key Facts

  • The Army is rapidly working to create cheap, expendable drones for battlefield use.
  • A memo from a safety specialist at Fort Polk raised concerns about ignoring basic explosive safety rules.
  • The warning followed an incident where a small drone exploded inside a military training center, causing minor injuries to a Special Forces soldier.
  • The soldier was hurt while trying to disconnect the explosive device from the drone and suffered cuts and a concussion.
  • The memo was sent to the director of safety at U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
  • Army officials said the safety specialist’s comments are an opinion, not confirmed fact.
  • The Army’s central safety office did not investigate the blast because the damage and injury did not meet their criteria.
  • The Pentagon is pushing for faster drone production, following a call by President Donald Trump to increase drone manufacturing.
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