Based on the recent UK/France announcement I think it would be worthwhile debating the pro's and con's of this agreement.
Clearly from a UK perspective the joint carrier force centered around the CdG is the best (geographically) and only way of filling the gap until 2020 based on the recent SDR outcome. From a French point of view they will benefit from having access to more escorting DDG's (six off) and later coverage for when CdG goes into long term refit. It may also allow them to delay PA2 until they have the chance to look at a similar sized fully operational conventional QE class. Not sure when CdG is due for retirement - 2030? Reading the French press, there appears no love lost for CdG due to ongoing mechanical problems. It will be interesting to see just how much time it will spend at sea, and not under repair?
The following announcement also makes for interesting reading:
Unmanned Air Systems have become essential to our armed forces. We have agreed to work together on the next generation of Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Air Surveillance Systems. Co-operation will enable the potential sharing of development, support and training costs, and ensure that our forces can work together. We will launch a jointly funded, competitive assessment phase in 2011, with a view to new equipment delivery between 2015 and 2020.
This fits the current Mantis profile, the only European autonomous platform with the load and endurance of a Reaper. Also Taranis first phase testing will be completed in 2011
In the longer term, we will jointly assess requirements and options for the next generation of Unmanned Combat Air Systems from 2030 onwards. Building on work already started under the direction of the UK-France High Level Working Group, we will develop over the next two years a joint technological and industrial road map. This could lead to a decision in 2012 to launch a joint Technology and Operational Demonstration programme from 2013 to 2018.
One assumes this could be a Taranis/Demon/Neuron hybrid
Joint development is the only way the UK and France can hope to compete with the US on price and technology. So to me both nations have made a conscious decision to stay in the UAV/UCAV market rather than simply look west. Will have to wait and see if Germany, Italy or Spain join in.
On the down side, once the UK/French amphib force becomes better integrated the UK Government might try and save more cash and argue we no longer need three Commando's, ditching one (45), keeping just two to work alongside the French Commando's/Naval Infantry. That would align numbers similar to that of the two regular Parachute Battalions (who in-turn would work closely with the 2ndREP and French Airborne using joint A400's) leaving the tri-service SFSG/SBS/SAS as the primary tier one asset.
Clearly from a UK perspective the joint carrier force centered around the CdG is the best (geographically) and only way of filling the gap until 2020 based on the recent SDR outcome. From a French point of view they will benefit from having access to more escorting DDG's (six off) and later coverage for when CdG goes into long term refit. It may also allow them to delay PA2 until they have the chance to look at a similar sized fully operational conventional QE class. Not sure when CdG is due for retirement - 2030? Reading the French press, there appears no love lost for CdG due to ongoing mechanical problems. It will be interesting to see just how much time it will spend at sea, and not under repair?
The following announcement also makes for interesting reading:
Unmanned Air Systems have become essential to our armed forces. We have agreed to work together on the next generation of Medium Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Air Surveillance Systems. Co-operation will enable the potential sharing of development, support and training costs, and ensure that our forces can work together. We will launch a jointly funded, competitive assessment phase in 2011, with a view to new equipment delivery between 2015 and 2020.
This fits the current Mantis profile, the only European autonomous platform with the load and endurance of a Reaper. Also Taranis first phase testing will be completed in 2011
In the longer term, we will jointly assess requirements and options for the next generation of Unmanned Combat Air Systems from 2030 onwards. Building on work already started under the direction of the UK-France High Level Working Group, we will develop over the next two years a joint technological and industrial road map. This could lead to a decision in 2012 to launch a joint Technology and Operational Demonstration programme from 2013 to 2018.
One assumes this could be a Taranis/Demon/Neuron hybrid
Joint development is the only way the UK and France can hope to compete with the US on price and technology. So to me both nations have made a conscious decision to stay in the UAV/UCAV market rather than simply look west. Will have to wait and see if Germany, Italy or Spain join in.
On the down side, once the UK/French amphib force becomes better integrated the UK Government might try and save more cash and argue we no longer need three Commando's, ditching one (45), keeping just two to work alongside the French Commando's/Naval Infantry. That would align numbers similar to that of the two regular Parachute Battalions (who in-turn would work closely with the 2ndREP and French Airborne using joint A400's) leaving the tri-service SFSG/SBS/SAS as the primary tier one asset.
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