Dassault offers French military Heron TP lease deal

photo Israël Aerospace Industries

17/02/11 By Arie Egozi Flight International

Dassault is considering leasing Israel Aerospace Industries Heron TP unmanned aircraft systems to answer the urgent operational needs of the French armed forces. "We have proposed an interim solution consisting of leasing the Heron TP that the Israelis are willing to provide," Dassault chief executive Charles Edelstenne told the lower house of the French parliament during a recent discussion. Edelstenne says that under the proposal the IAI-built system would be adapted to meet French requirements. "This solution would be available in about a year. The defence minister is studying the subject."