Jane Edwards
Leonardo-Finmeccanica, Airbus and Dassault Aviation have received a contract to conduct a two-year definition study of a program that seeks to develop a medium-altitude, long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft system for European countries.
Germany, France, Spain and Italy participated in the launch of the contract for the European MALE RPAS program through a meeting led by the Organization for Joint Armament Cooperation, Leonardo-Finmeccanica said Wednesday.
Leonardo-Finmeccanica’s aircraft division started the study on the common European drone with Airbus’ defense and space business and Dassault Aviation in September.
The RPA system will work to perform intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance operations for European countries’ armed forces.
Leonardo-Finmeccannica said the program is scheduled to enter development phase in 2018, launch the first drone prototype in early 2023 and begin deliveries by 2025.
