The contracts between the UK and France were agreed in Paris for the development of future combat air systems.
The work will involve options for the purchase of an unmanned combat air system (UCAS).
A UCAS capability would, by the 2030’s, be able to undertake sustained surveillance, mark targets, gather intelligence, deter adversaries and carry out strikes in hostile territories.
The programme follows a statement of intent at the Anglo-French security and defence summit at RAF Brize Norton in January and a programme arrangement at the Farnborough International Air Show in July this year.
The 6 partners involved in the development of the UCAS concepts are BAE Systems, Dassault Aviation, Thales France, Selex ES, Rolls-Royce and Safran.
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