Panama looking at $93 million a year for surveillance drones

(PanamaNewsRoom) Panama will spend at least $16 million dollars on four drones to monitor drug trafficking says Security Minister Jose Raul Mulino, which with operating costs could reach $93 million in the first year.

The U.S. manufactured unmanned aircraft, valued at around $4 million each, are included in the ministry’s, $300 million budget. The monthly cost of operating each drone is $1.6 million

Mulino said that thes aircraft were used in Panama in a pilot program paid for by the U.S. government between August and October 2010 last year.

The flights originated from aeronaval base at the Tocumen International Airport cargo terminal,

The minister denied that the missions were carried out by the U.S. military. He said did the planes did not carry any weapons or leave Panama's airspace.
Documents leaked in America alleged that the U.S. government operated the flights.
The minister  also denied that the U.S. military was involved in building naval bases in Panama as leaked documents claimed.  U.S. civilian companies were involved, but no military.

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Original Source: PanamaNewsRoom

Date Retrieved: February 8, 2011