Armed with the world's most sophisticated cameras and radar, the drones are intended to conduct surveillance operations in all weathers and over any terrain.

The government could not expect to properly conduct surveillance of communications while this relationship remained, he said.

The scheme reflects a growing tendency among councils to conduct surveillance operations to catch people breaking environmental laws or who are engaged in antisocial behaviour.

The program created controversy as it employs private contractors to conduct surveillance, contracts awarded without bidding.

If the gunboats could operate in the open ocean, they could better protect convoys, conduct surveillance missions, and support conventional amphibious warfare operations.