Defense Minister Khaled Shili Highlights Growing Threat of Drones
Defense Minister Khaled Shili emphasized that drones now pose a growing challenge both nationally and globally due to their widespread use in military and civilian fields. Speaking during a joint plenary session to discuss the budget of the Ministry of National Defense, held on Tuesday afternoon at the Bardo Palace, the minister indicated that his department has organized several working meetings with concerned ministries on this issue.
Agreement on Drone Regulation
These consultations, he revealed, have led to an agreement within the Ministry of Transport (General Directorate of Civil Aviation) to create a commission tasked with developing a regulatory text for the use of drones. This project, he specified, has been finalized and submitted for review to various parties.
Countering Drone Threats
To counter the threats resulting from drone use, Shili added that the ministry is also working to conduct joint exercises with the Ministry of Interior's services to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to any emergency situation. He also warned against the gravity of drone proliferation in Tunisian airspace and the risks they pose to air security, infrastructure, individuals, and the security apparatus, stressing the need to continue consultation and information exchange with the Ministries of Interior and Transport to stay abreast of global technological developments in this field.
Developing Neutralization Capabilities
He emphasized the need to develop the army's capacity to neutralize these devices, particularly through mastering jamming systems.
Incident Involving Somoud Flotilla
Regarding the incident involving the Somoud flotilla during its passage through the port of Sidi Bou Said, and the various hypotheses advanced on this subject, Shili specified that "the matter is still under investigation by the competent authorities and is receiving all the required attention."
Relocation of Military Barracks
He also recalled that the ministry has launched, since 2013, a specific program in coordination with the Ministry of State Domains and Land Affairs to relocate certain military barracks according to a progressive plan taking into account security and urban requirements.
Role of the Military in Regional Development
On the other hand, he highlighted the role of the military institution in regional development and support for the national development effort. He cited the example of the Rjim Maatoug project, which he described as a "success," with the construction of 1,600 rural housing units distributed across six villages housing 8,000 inhabitants, the planting of 320,000 palm trees over an area of 2,460 hectares, and the extension of the experience to the entire southern region and desert areas.
Evolution of the Rjim Maatoug Office
Shili added that the Rjim Maatoug Office for the Development of the South and the Sahara (ORMDSS) has undergone qualitative development, with its missions expanding to include industry, agriculture, and tourism, noting that a national strategic plan for 2050 is being developed, based on improving the legislative framework and programming medium- and long-term development projects.
Contribution of the Military to National Projects
Evoking the contribution of the military engineering corps to major national projects, the minister recalled the efforts made by the national army to rehabilitate many public works and historical monuments, citing the example of the Ibn Khaldoun cultural center and the Aghlabid walls and basins of Kairouan.
Cooperation with Vocational Training Establishments
Regarding cooperation with vocational training establishments, Shili indicated that his department is working to promote vocational training through 13 training centers offering 61 specializations and 11 workshops. The objective, he explained, is to attract young people to this promising field and train a qualified workforce in line with the urgent needs of the labor market.
Contribution to Cloud Seeding Technology
The minister also reviewed his department's contribution to the development of cloud seeding technology, also known as artificial rain, to combat drought, adding that this contribution was made within the framework of a pilot project using a C-730 device to raise the water level of the Sidi Salem dam. Such a project, he emphasized, again testifies to the commitment of the armed forces to promoting scientific research, an essential pillar of sustainable development.
Military Convention with Algeria
Returning to the military convention concluded with Algeria, the minister explained that it is not a new agreement but rather an agreement already signed in 2001 and revised to take into account recent developments and expand areas of cooperation, particularly in the fight against terrorism and cross-border crime and the securing of the common border. He emphasized that Tunisian-Algerian relations are based on a shared history and an unchanging strategic partnership that is "apolitical," adding that strengthening military cooperation between the two countries is a highly strategic choice in the service of the security and stability of the entire region.
