Boeing Turns Old F-16 Fighter Jets Into Drones

As debate continues about increased drone use in theaters of war, the U.S. drone business continues to boom. This has caused a drone arms race that has seen more than 50 other countries begin drone surveillance and weaponization programs.

International human rights groups have issued a 50-page cautionary report about the potential for losing control over systems that are increasingly autonomous. Cambridge University issued a separate warning through a study officially known as the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk, where they have warned that one of the greatest threats that humanity faces are “terminators.” Nevertheless, the Navy has successfully tested autonomous drone takeoffs and landings at sea, while ~~war profiteers~~ defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Atomics, and Boeing have expanded the overall mission to increase the use and range of conventional drones and autonomous systems.

The video below demonstrates a successful test of a new plan by Boeing to modify retired Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets to become QF-16 drones — they say for target practice. While they are currently being controlled by humans on the ground, it’s not much of a stretch to see where this is heading. This is just the latest indication that despite the outcry from citizens across the world, the military-industrial complex marches on toward widespread remote control killing.