UK and Germany to Cooperate in UAV Development
25 October, 2024 A QinetiQ jet guides a modified Banshee Jet 80 unmanned aerial target as well as several digital Banshees in a virtual swarm. Photo credits: QinetiQ As part of the recently signed Trinity House agreement, the UK and Germany plan to cooperate in the development of advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAVs).
The Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland reported on this. The agreement is aimed at ensuring interoperability between future combat air systems and strengthening military cooperation. "The UK and Germany will work jointly, in close co-ordination with Allies and partners, to develop and employ Uncrewed Aerial and Offboard Air Systems to ensure interoperability between Future Combat Air Systems," the Ministry of Defence said.
The agreement sets both short- and medium-term goals. In the short term, both countries will focus on increasing precision strike capabilities by integrating missile systems into UAVs. The British Brimstone missile is cited as an example for integration.
Falco Xplorer with Brimstone 3 missile.
Photo credits: DefenseNews
In the medium term, the partnership will focus on "joint exploration and development of cross-system Combat Cloud capabilities across aircraft fleets." This should allow for data exchange and seamless operation between both manned and UAV systems. In addition, it is planned to develop new Maritime Uncrewed Air System capabilities. And to strengthen interoperability between the forces of the United Kingdom and Germany.
Defense deal
Plans to sign a historic defense agreement between the United Kingdom and Germany were announced in late October 2024.
The agreement is expected to allow British and German forces to conduct joint military exercises on NATO's eastern border with Russia.
It will also allow the two countries to buy more weapons together and lead to closer cooperation in the development and production of next-generation weapons.
Secretary of State for Defence John Healey hopes the new deal will strengthen the UK and German defense industries at a time when the West is desperate to boost arms production and replenish its stockpiles after giving Ukraine tens of billions of euros worth of weapons.