£40m keeps UK drone design ahead of game

From BFBS The Ministry of Defence has signed a new £40 million contract with BAE Systems to ensure the UK retains a leading edge in the next generation of combat air systems. The four-year Future Combat Air System (FCAS) Focused Research contract aims to sustain and develop the UK’s critical technology and skills in this field. It will inform the MOD’s unmanned air system strategy over the coming decades to ensure that the best use is made of these new technologies. The vast majority of unmanned aircraft flying is surveillance and reconnaissance in support of front-line troops in Afghanistan. Minister for Defence Equipment Support and Technology, Peter Luff, said: “I am committed to providing sustained support for science and technology across all aspects of Defence. As part of our ongoing investment, the Ministry of Defence has and will continue to invest in aerospace sector projects like this to ensure that we develop and maintain the UK’s formidable strengths in this specialist field.” Dr Nick Joad, who heads up the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s Air Domain, said: “This is an important step in ensuring that the MOD continues to develop its capabilities in this area and is able to exploit […]
£40m keeps UK drone design ahead of game