Britain and France have launched a proposal to design and build the next generation of unmanned military attack aircraft worth £600 million (€710 million, $952 million). British and French forces want a more advanced aircraft than the General Atomics Reaper currently in service with the Royal Air Force.
The new UAS should be able to perform civilian duties, such as providing security and intelligence as well as coastal surveillance, in addition to its offensive capabilities.
BAE Systems will partner with Dassault Aviation SA., Cobham Plc will work with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. and EADS has held partnership discussions with missiles group MBDA and Thales France.
BAE/Dassault is expected to propose the BAE Mantis, Cobham/General Atomics will submit its Predator and EADS will offer the Talarion.