PARIS (Reuters) – Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu signed a framework agreement on Tuesday with leaders of Airbus and Naval Group SA for a future purchase of aerial drone systems for the French Navy (SDAM).
The framework agreement was signed with Bruno Even, the owner of the branch devoted to helicopters of the European aeronautical manufacturer Airbus, and Marie-Laure Bourgeois, the executive vice-president in charge of sales of the French naval manufacturer Naval Group.
“The agreement also opens the way to cooperation with other nations through government agreements to government”, while President Emmanuel Macron wishes to place France at the heart of the strengthening of European defense, and the European Union is now preparing for its rearmament.
Investing in drones has become a strategic priority for both France and Europe in defense.
Each SDAM will include a VSR700 Hélicopter Drone from Airbus, operated with the Steeris Mission System of Naval Group, which manages the drone mission integrated into a naval force, the press release said.
According to the press release, Naval Group is also in charge of joining the SDAMs in the frigates of the French Navy.
(Written by Florence Lève, edited by Blandine Hénault)
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