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Thales and Zeiss sign a cooperation agreement in the UAV optronic sub-systems

29 July 2003

Capitalising on the current co-operation within airborne reconnaissance activities, Thales Optronics and ZEISS Optronik have agreed to expand their co-operation in the UAV optronic sub-systems. The two companies signed a mutual agreement on the 19th of June during the "Paris Air Show" at Le Bourget in order to meet surveillance mission requirements in the future European market.

ZEISS Optronik and Thales aim to develop their collaboration in order to provide high performance value optical sensors in the framework of "High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle" programmes (HALE UAV) to be launched by the French and the German MOD within the next ten years. This agreement includes studies, technical demonstrations, developments and mass production programmes, dedicated both to ISTAR missions (Intelligence, Surveillance and Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance) and strategic assessment capability.

Already privileged partners within the French Recce NG Programme, Thales and ZEISS Optronik will highlight their capability to re-use and integrate their common IMINT optronic sub-systems onboard HALE surveillance platforms. As a major asset the future IMINT HALE programme is the first goal in establishing an independent European position. This programme is dedicated to achieving the real time surveillance tasks in Europe with a high capability of deployment worldwide while meeting the allied NATO interoperability requirements.

Supported by the French and German political co-operation, IMINT HALE remains a key programme to cement the European defence with a shared operational vision and a common industrial commitment. Furthermore, it will allow the European industries to maintain their high technological level in the field of intelligence assets through digital optronic sensors sub-systems.

ZEISS Optronik, part of Carl ZEISS Group is a leader in development, production and marketing of opto-electronic devices and systems for land-based, airborne and naval forces. ZEISS Optronik is partner in international co-operations and has extensive experience in multi-national research, development and production programmes.

Thales Optronique is one of the optronics companies in the Defence Business Area of Thales, specialising in optronic equipment and systems for airborne or land-based surveillance, reconnaissance and target designation applications. In 2002, optronic activities reached a consolidated turnover of '616 million.

Press contacts:
Matt Pothecary - Tel: + 33 (0)1 53 77 86 26
Dominique Desbrugères - Tel: + 33 (0) 1 30 96 72 35