A French Senate report advocating missile defence is proposing that France and Germany cooperate on the development of an unmanned aircraft-based infrared detection system.
France would contribute its infrared detector experience, with Germany providing the high-altitude unmanned aircraft. The German air force has planned flight trials of the Euro Hawk signals intelligence aircraft — a Global Hawk derivative — for next year, and is looking to buy wide-area surveillance Global Hawks toward the end of the decade.
The report suggests a cost sharing arrangement and leaves the door open for other countries to join.
Source: Aviation Week