Today at DSEI, the leading companies in the defense sector of the United Kingdom (BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, Rolls Royce and MBDA UK), together with the main actors of the Italian industry (Leonardo Italia, Elettronica, Avio Aero and MBDA Italia) have announced the intention to collaborate in the activities related to the Combat Air System Tempest by signing a Declaration of Intent. According to the agreement, the partners will work together to define an innovative concept and a partnership model that includes the sharing of acquired skills, the definition of product requirements and the joint technological development of air defense systems.
The signing of the Declaration of Intents follows the commitment of the United Kingdom and Italian governments towards a close collaboration in the field of air defense, both on products such as the Typhoon and the F-35, and on the Tempest, the new aircraft generation announced by the United Kingdom. The respective governments have confirmed the common intention to maintain a strong industrial base in order to develop strategic skills and ensure prosperity for both nations. Italy and the United Kingdom have a long history of success in international programs such as the Tornado, the Typhoon and the F-35.
In anticipation of the signing of this agreement, the UK and Italian industries have collaborated in an initial study to evaluate the feasibility of a common approach on air defense systems. Many areas have been identified as useful for the development of further synergies, in particular between companies like Leonardo and MBDA, already strongly integrated in the two nations.
Furthermore, a joint study initiated by the governments has confirmed that the United Kingdom and Italy are natural partners in the field of air defense, considering that both Air Forces manage a mixed fleet of Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35. The Italian and British industry share an interest in potential joint activities to meet national and international requirements.
Charles Woodburn, CEO of BAE Systems said: "Thanks to the long collaboration with Italian industry we are convinced that this partnership between our two countries is perfectly suited to Tempest and provides evidence of the growing momentum associated with this international commitment. Today's announcement will strengthen existing collaborations with MBDA and Leonardo, central to our work aimed at expressing the full potential of the Typhoon, together with the joint development of future air defense technologies for the benefit of both countries ".
Leonardo's CEO, Alessandro Profumo, said: "Today's agreement is a fundamental step for this exciting and strategically important initiative. As CEO of Leonardo I trust this collaboration because every day I can witness the incredible results obtained by our British and Italian engineers through their teamwork. Our two nations have a long history of shared success in international programs and we believe that working together on Tempest will further strengthen the base
technological and industrial development of each country and develop its skills to ensure prosperity in the coming decades ”.
The announcement was made to DSEI together with contributions from Charles Woodburn representing BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, Rolls Royce and MBDA UK and Alessandro Profumo representing Leonardo Italia, Elettronica, Avio Aero and MBDA Italia.
BAE Systems - BAE Systems provides some of the most advanced and technological solutions in the field of defense, aerospace and security in the world and employs approximately 85.800 highly qualified employees in more than 40 countries. By collaborating with local customers and partners, BAE Systems develops technologies that save lives, protect borders and people, strengthen nations, preserve critical information and protect infrastructure.
Photo: BAE Systems / Leonardo
