How #Militaries Are Transforming #Agricultural Tech Into Deadly #Weapons

By Max Fenton
Sept 26, 2022

"A subsequent U.N. investigation found that one of [#ErikPrince’s] modified planes was due for #Libya, which has been subject to an international arms embargo since the outbreak of its brutal 2011 #civilwar. Known as #ProjectOpus, Prince and his associates attempted to sell the modified crop-dusters to #KhalidHaftar, a Libyan #warlord and one of the key players in the country’s civil conflict and power vacuum since the downfall of Muammar Gaddafi. The plane was thankfully intercepted in Jordan, where authorities demanded its military assets be removed. The plane later made its way to Cyprus, Balkan Insight reports, which is its last known location as of 2021 and where it may be undergoing mechanical servicing.

"Though largely foiled, Prince’s plans are a reminder of how #cropdusting planes are especially risky pieces of military technology when it comes to international law and #HumanRights issues in conflict. Many of the militaries interested in their use are alleged to have committed significant human rights violations in the course of irregular warfare campaigns, and the addition of a highly specialized attack plane to their arsenals may pose grave risks to those caught in the crossfire."

https://slate.com/technology/2022/09/crop-duster-agricultural-tech-military-conflict.html

#PrivateArmy #Xe #Academi #CorporateColonialism #PrivateArmies #WeaponizedCropDusters #AgentOrange

Crop dusting next door! Slalom around the wind turbines. 😊

#photography #farmland #Ontario #CropDusting