Airbus Team Submits Proposal for New UAS to European Governments; Bernhard Gerwert Comments

Airbus, Dassault Aviation and Alenia Aermacchi have completed a proposal to develop a new unmanned aerial system for European governments.

The joint development teams submitted the definition phase proposal to the defense ministries of France, Germany and Italy, Airbus Group said Monday.

“We have reached an important milestone for the development of a European MALE (medium altitude – long endurance) drone,” said Bernhard Gerwert, CEO of Airbus Defense and Space.

“We are highly motivated to continue our discussions with the Ministries of Defence and are looking forward to launch this first step soon,” Gerwert added.

The three nations, along with their armed forces and European firms, expect to lay down requirements for the UAS program under the definition stage.

The development work is scheduled to complete by 2020.