(Alliance News) - Defence manufactures in UK, Sweden and Italy have begun trilateral discussions to "strengthen collaboration" between the three countries, in an attempt to develop "world-leading" future combat air capability.
In the UK, BAE Systems PLC and Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC will team up with Rome-headquartered Leonardo SpA and Sweden's Saab.
"The new trilateral framework sees industry from the three nations bringing together their skills and expertise in the combat air sector to collaborate on the research and development of cutting-edge technologies," the trio said in a joint statement.
The statement continued: "Today's announcement builds on bilateral discussions which have taken place between the UK and Swedish and Italian industries and establishes a trilateral industry group. Together, the companies will assess common routes to future combat air capability using their know-how, expertise and technology development activities across current and future combat air systems."
The UK has existing co-operation with Sweden and Italy. All three nations industries and militaries are partners in the joint development and operation of the Meteor beyond visual air-to-air missile that is arming Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35.
Swedish-made chaff and flare dispensers are used on UK Typhoons and Saab's Giraffe radar is a key part of the UK's Sky Sabre ground defence system.
Swedish Gripen E aircraft are equipped with radars designed and built by Leonardo in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Meanwhile, both the Royal Air Force and the Aeronautica Militare operate the same, potent fleet of Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 aircraft, part of more than 50 years of close collaboration in combat air.
BAE Systems Chief Executive Charles Woodburn said: "International partnering provides the best opportunity to deliver a capable, flexible and upgradeable combat air system. We've made good progress with Saab and Leonardo in identifying shared goals and expertise and through this new framework, we can build on this collaboration to unlock the huge potential across our three nations."
Leonardo CEO Alessandro Profumo added: "All three national industries fully grasp the historic nature of this moment. Tempest will be the cornerstone of a cross-border system of common defence which will extend far beyond combat air. It will secure enormous economic benefits and vast industrial and technological progress for Italy and our partners. Together, we share an understanding that if we get this right now, our respective aerospace and defence industries will thrive for a generation."
By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com
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