Once a final design architecture has been finalised, Leonardo plans on flying a two- to three- ton RWUAS demonstrator for the first time “in the middle of this decade” in hopes of supporting the UK Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) agenda.
Here's just a bit of what the Breaking Defense team saw on the show floor this year.
Breaking Defense's European Bureau Chief Tim Martin and naval warfare reporter Justin Katz chat about the biggest DSEI news from London this week.
David Holmes, managing director of BAE's FalconWorks, said matching the Pentagon's ambitious autonomous push would take a lot of teamwork and a rethinking of the supply chain.
The demo comes as the company's other arms also seek out ways to equip vehicles with counter-UAS capabilities.
In an exclusive interview with Breaking Defense, CEO Micael Johansson said he and other European industry leaders also need "clearer objectives" and coordination from NATO and European governments amid the widespread push for munitions.
Some reports indicate Ukraine damaged a Russian submarine and landing ship in the overnight strike.
“The [collaboration] agreement reflects positive momentum and strong trilateral cooperation, and will involve the industry partners maturing integration, collaboration and sharing of information towards the next phase of GCAP,” the companies said.
Amid larger competitors, Israeli firm SpearUAV is focused on drones to help "maneuvering forces."
The latest munitions package is in line with the British Army's wider ambition of undertaking an extensive modernisation campaign based on a budget of £41 billion ($51 billion) over 10 years.
Citing its planned military commitment, Stockholm says it "will be a credible, reliable and loyal member of NATO."
The new comments come in a Breaking Defense interview after another UK official separately said he believes the Saudis "will be part of GCAP in due course" — the strongest support yet from Britain for Saudi joining.
The company said it conducted a classified demonstration for several European allies and partners in May.
The Swedish arm of the British defense firm says cUAS is the “topical subject of the day.”
The company’s nano-drone has already been gifted to Ukraine; too soon to say if “Black Recon” will follow, company official tells Breaking Defense.