Military drone pilots fighting so-called Islamic State could be awarded medals, the defence secretary has said. Sir Michael Fallon confirmed there would be a review of how servicemen and women were recognised for their contribution to UK operations. Medals are currently awarded on the basis of rigour and risk, and being physically exposed to danger. Sir Michael said a rethink may be needed as the UK increasingly deploys unmanned aircraft on operations. Speaking on a visit to British troops in Iraq, he said: "The changing character of warfare provides new challenges; not just about how we fight but also how we recognise and support those who serve. "As fighting has evolved we have adapted, ensuring our troops have cutting-edge equipment including unmanned systems operated from outside the battle space.

Helicopter drones which could shoot down Islamic State's new remote-controlled weapons are under development, the Defence Secretary announced yesterday. Sir Michael Fallon said the terror group's latest drone tactics in Iraq – in which they drop grenades from the skies – had been a'wake-up call' for Britain. Unmanned craft would enable the UK to stay ahead of enemies as they would be faster, fly for longer, and spare pilots from any risk, he said. In a speech at Oxford University to engineers and academics, he said drone wars were the future, adding: 'Science fiction will soon be science fact. Unmanned warfare is coming absolutely.'

Russia is carrying out a sustained campaign of cyber attacks targeting democracy and critical infrastructure in the West, UK Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has warned. Moscow was "weaponising misinformation" in a bid to expand its influence and destabilise Western governments and weaken Nato, he said. Vladimir Putin had chosen to become a "strategic competitor" of the West. Sir Michael said it was vital alliance members strengthened cyber defences. His speech, at the University of St Andrews, comes as Theresa May is to use an informal summit in Malta to press EU Nato members to boost defence spending.