The first full-size model of the European Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft (MALE RPAS - remotely piloted aircraft for mid-range and long-range operations) was presented today at a ceremony at the ILA Air Show in Berlin at the Schönefeld airport.
The ceremony was attended by Dirk Hoke, Managing Director of Airbus Defense and Space, Eric Trappier, President and CEO of Dassault Aviation, and Lucio Valerio Cioffi, Head of the Aircraft Division of Leonardo, was the occasion to confirm the commitment of the four European states and industrial partners for the joint development of an independent solution for the defense and security of Europe.
This new phase comes nearly two years after the launch of the defining study, in September 2016, by the four participating countries (Germany, France, Italy and Spain) and follows the Declaration of Intent on joint collaboration with an air system without pilot of the European MALE class, signed by the same nations in May 2015.
"Although we still have a lot of work awaiting us, this full-size model represents a first goal of what Europe can achieve in a high-tech sector if it can combine its industrial strength and know-how," said Dirk. Hoke, Managing Director of Airbus Defense and Space. "MALE RPAS will become an integral part of Europe's ability to guarantee its independence in the future. The program is designed to meet urgent capacity requirements on the part of the European Armed Forces. This innovative partnership also mitigates the effects generated by budget restrictions through the effective combination of research and development funds ".
“Today's presentation reflects the total dedication of our companies to European independence in the field of defense and security. Cooperation and high technology legitimize the leadership of the European industry and ensure the strategic autonomy of Europe, ”said Eric Trappier, President and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
"Innovative programs through efficient partnerships will support European competitiveness by providing new alternatives to acquisition over non-European products. Dassault Aviation reiterates its full support for Airbus Defense and Space as the leader of the MALE RPAS program. "
"Unmanned aerial systems and their applications are one of the key technological elements for the future evolution of the European defense industry", underlined Lucio Valerio Cioffi, Head of Leonardo's Aircraft Division. "The European MALE RPAS aims to promote the development of high technology and will contribute to support key skills and jobs in Europe, providing the Armed Forces with advanced services and an independent operating system".
