Joint carrier operations, UAV developments in UK/France defence pact

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/11/03/349260/joint-carrier-operations-uav-developments-in-ukfrance-defence-pact.html

Particular attention has been given to the creation of a joint capability using the nations' planned lone aircraft carriers.

"We will develop the ability to deploy a UK-French integrated carrier strike group, ensuring that either a British or a French carrier is always available for operations," Cameron says. President Nicolas Sarkozy of France hailed the UK's recent decision to equip its one operational Future Aircraft Carrier with catapults and arresting gear. "This is going to enable us to have a truly integrated aircraft carrier group," says UK Prime Minister David Cameron.


France, UK arrange to jointly fund future UAS capability
http://www.shephard.co.uk/news/uvonline/france-uk-arrange-to-jointly-fund-future-uas-capability/7625/

As part of a wider ranging defence cooperation agreement announced today, France and the UK have agreed to work on developing next generation MALE UAS and UCAS capabilities, which has immediately prompted interest from industry.

A statement released by the UK government said: 'Unmanned Air Systems have become essential to our armed forces. We have agreed to work together on the next generation of Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Air Surveillance Systems.' The statement went on to add that: 'In the longer term, we will jointly assess requirements and options for the next generation of Unmanned Combat Air Systems from 2030 onwards.'



BAE says in talks with Dassault on UAV link up
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSNLDE6A12BT20101102
"We welcome ... their (Britain and France's) intention to collaborate on a future Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) programme and a potential Unmanned Combat Aircraft System," BAE said in a statement.

"Given the strong research and development investment that has already been made in this area by both BAE Systems and Dassault Aviation, we have entered into discussions with Dassault to explore how we could best deliver this opportunity."