UK and France Strengthen Defence Cooperation

15 July 2014 Royal Air Force

Defence cooperation between the UK and France has been strengthened following agreements signed at the Farnborough Air Show today.

Philip Hammond and Jean-Yves Le Drian agreed to bolster cooperation relating to the acquisition and support of military equipment for both the UK and French Armed Forces.

The agreement follows on from the communiqué that was signed by Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande at RAF Brize Norton in January, which set out plans for closer ties between the two countries.

As part of the deal signed today, the UK and France agreed a £120 million Feasibility Phase with six industry partners for the joint development of Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle concepts and technologies. They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the SCALP / Stormshadow missile programme with MBDA that continues our cooperation on this important cruise missile capability.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said : “The UK and France are committed to delivering effective military capabilities underpinned by cutting edge technology, developed by strong and capable defence industries. This relationship is essential to how we will operate in the future, by ensuring we can deal with the global defence and security challenges we and our Allies may face.”

Minister of Defence Jean-Yves le Drian said: “The arrangement related to Future Combat Air System is an historical opportunity for France and the United Kingdom to shape and sustain in the long term a strong innovative and sovereign combat aircraft industry. With continuation of development of cruise missile SCALP/STORM SHADOW, after signature of the FASGW(H) / ANL contract previously this year, the two nations demonstrated their commitment to sustain the cross-frontier One Complex Weapons industry through inter-dependence for missile sub-systems and secure significant efficiencies on future programmes.