US. to allow sales of drones to some allies

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department has revised its policy to allow the sale of military drones to allies on a "case-by-case basis" and under "stringent conditions."

The change in policy was announced Tuesday by a news release that outlined the new guidelines.

The sale of unmanned military aircraft will be expanded by each sale must be approved individually through the Department of Defense Technology Security and Foreign Disclosure processes. Countries who purchase the drones must agree not to use them for domestic surveillance and must use them in accordance with international law.

"The new U.S. [Unmanned Aerial Systems] export policy provides a disciplined and rigorous framework within which the United States will exercise restraint in sales and transfers and advance its national security and foreign policy interests," a statement from the State Department read.