Airbus, Dassault, Finmeccanica welcome MALE UAS next steps

20th May 2015 - 12:00 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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Airbus Defence and Space, Dassault Aviation and Finmeccanica have welcomed an agreement between France, Germany and Italy to conduct a definition study of a European Medium Altitude/Long Endurance (MALE) UAS.

Based on the results of this study, a decision will be taken on starting the development and procurement of the MALE UAS. In May 2014, the three companies submitted a study proposal for the next-generation MALE UAS, with a 24-month Definition Phase followed by a full Development Phase. Based on their proposal, the first UAS would be delivered in the early 2020s.

Bernhard Gerwert, CEO, Airbus Defence and Space, said: 'This important step by industry and government clearly recognises that sovereignty in development of new systems, and specifically in military reconnaissance and unmanned aviation is of strategic importance for European security.'

Eric Trappier, CEO, Dassault Aviation, said: 'We welcome this important announcement, which confirms the legitimacy and interest of our joint industrial initiative started in 2013. European countries must develop a sovereign, Next-Generation MALE UAS solution, for both military and security missions, which is required by our armed forces.'

Mauro Moretti, CEO, Finmeccanica, said: 'The next generation MALE UAS represents a step change for the European defence and security agenda. This initiative is a unique opportunity to pursue a joint technological path built on proven industrial leaderships all contributing to a single objective.'