Britain needs more drones to combat IS threat: David Cameron

Cameron asked defense chiefs to consider boosting quick-response counterterrorist capabilities such as "spy planes, drones and special forces"

Prime Minister David Cameron wants Britain's military to invest more in drones and elite troops to help counter the threat from the Islamic State group.

Cameron says he's asking defense chiefs to consider boosting quick-response counterterrorist capabilities such as "spy planes, drones and special forces."

Yesterday, Cameron was visiting an air force base that is home to Britain's fleet of Reaper drones, which have flown surveillance missions over Iraq and Syria as part of the US-led campaign against IS. British warplanes have struck targets in Iraq, and Cameron has suggested the mission could be expanded to Syria.

Britain's military has faced a budget squeeze in recent years as Cameron's government cut public spending. But Treasury chief George Osborne has committed to spending 2% of national income on defense.