[Avionics Today 11-06-2014] The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) and the U.K. Ministry of Defense (MOD) have launched the feasibility phase of the U.K.-French Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. During the feasibility phase, both agencies are looking to carry out the system definition of an "Anglo-French remotely-piloted combat aircraft," according to Thales.
BAE Systems and Dassault are leading the feasibility phase system definition work. Thales and Finmeccanica – Selex ES have also been awarded contracts to lead, specify and define the FCAS’s multifunction sensor suite and communications sub-systems.
"This contract, which brings together the U.K. and French national champions in defense electronics, will enable our two nations to start working toward the next-generation combat system," said Norman Bone, managing director of Finmeccanica – Selex ES airborne and space systems division.