France, Italy and Germany have partnered to develop an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to reduce Europe’s dependency on the US and Israel for the technology.

Under the partnership, the countries will work together to design a medium range, long endurance (Male) aircraft, with plans to put it into service by 2025.

French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian was quoted by Reuters as saying: "It’s a very important step for European cooperation, a critical cooperation which we must have at our disposal in many theatres of operation."

"The drone will incorporate technology that will allow it to operate in the same airspace as manned aircraft."

The partners intend to develop a drone that will be able to operate at an altitude of up to 9,000m, and can be used for civilian purposes such as border control, fire-fighting and disaster monitoring.

Defence ministers from the tri-nations said that Spain and Poland have expressed an interest to join the project.

Sources close to the project were quoted by The Financial Times as saying that the drone will incorporate technology that will allow it to operate in the same airspace as manned aircraft.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The countries have selected Airbus Defence and Space, Dassault Aviation and Finmeccanica to conduct a two-year technical assessment for the UAV.

Based on the study results, a final decision will be taken to start development and procurement of the system.

Last year, the companies have submitted a study proposal for a next-generation Male UAV, including a 24-month definition phase, followed by a full development phase.

Airbus Defence and Space CEO Bernhard Gerwert said "This important step by industry and government clearly recognises that sovereignty in development of new systems, and specifically in military reconnaissance and unmanned aviation is of strategic importance for European security."