Canada, Poland join NATO maritime aircraft effort

Canada and Poland have joined a multi-national NATO effort to develop next-generation solutions for maritime anti-submarine and ISR aircraft, NATO announced on 15 February.

The two countries joined France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey for the Cooperation on Multinational Maritime Multi Mission Aircraft Capabilities project.

The initiative offers allied nations the opportunity to adopt common solutions in this capability area that will deliver better value for money and operational benefits.

Since 2017, the six countries have been working to outline a common requirements document for future capabilities in this area, which should be completed in 2018. This work will provide a foundation for developing and fielding follow-on solutions.

Rose Gottemoeller, deputy secretary general, NATO, said: ‘This joint effort recognises the fact that the majority of allies’ maritime patrol aircraft fleets will be reaching the end of their operational lives between 2025 and 2035.

‘Push on to the implementation phase. The goal here isn’t just a drawing board design – we need a new generation of aircraft, in the air, fulfilling what is an increasingly important mission.’