France, which had favoured a joint project with Britain to build military UAS under the previous government, is looking at partnerships with other countries, Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Monday, as he criticized the cost and effectiveness of the project with Great Britain.
Le Drian previously said the new Socialist government would reach a decision before July 14 on the next-generation medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAS, but on Monday he said talks with other countries were taking time.
Former President Nicolas Sarkozy had pushed France’s Dassault Aviation and Britain’s BAE Systems’ to build their own unmanned aircraft as part of a defence accord between the two countries.
“Regarding the MALE dUAS…I have major reservations about the project on which we were originally embarked, both in terms of cost and efficiency,” Le Drian said at a defence event in Brittany.
“I am considering a solution, and if it’s taking a bit of time, it’s because we would not be alone, that means with other countries.”
Photo: French President Francois Hollande (R) and Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian attend a ceremony marking the 66th anniversary of the Liberation of Paris, Agust 25, 2012.
Credit: Reuters/Jacky Naegelen/POOL
Source: Reuters