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New technology for Combat Air Systems of the future

19 Nov 2001

BAE Systems welcomes the news that the Ministers of Defence of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK have declared their intent to carry out a joint study of approximately one year aimed at providing an initial assessment of their respective future combat air system capability requirements, including C4ISTAR. BAE Systems also is encouraged by the fact that this initiative will result in the identification of the types of systems and related technology base which would benefit from being developed jointly.

BAE Systems, together with the other major European Aerospace Companies (Alenia Aerospazio/Finmeccanica, Dassault Aviation, EADS /Germany, EADS / Spain and Saab) all recognise the long term capability needs, identified by the Governments, will require technologies to be developed and demonstrated jointly to maximise the effect of R&T across Europe. As a result, they have expressed an intention to work together with the common aim of performing:

* Work in some high priority areas already identified, such as secure and robust data communication, high speed data processing, propulsion systems, and the command and control of uninhabited air vehicles which are expected to be initiated straight away.
* The risk-reduction technology programme, set up under the name of European Technology Acquisition Programme (ETAP), a result of the intergovernmental study, is expected to include Technology Demonstration Projects (TDPs), concept demonstrations and Technology Demonstration Vehicles (TDVs) within the key technology areas for combat air systems, to be either adapted to existing systems or included any future joint European systems.
* Also any follow-on Systems Development programmes as requested to fulfil the 6-Nation military requirements as they emerge.

BAE Systems confirms its full support for the European governments' initiative. BAE Systems also confirms its commitment to work with the UK, other European governments, and major European aerospace companies to develop the necessary technologies and competencies to meet the evolving military demands of a European combat air system capability.