Germany is on its way to becoming the “center” to design future drones that accompany combat planes … but they will be American design. In recent weeks, ads have succeeded around the association agreements concluded between US drone producers and German industrialists.
Andundil opened the ball at the Bourget Fair in June, announcing that he has signed an agreement with the German rheinmetall conglomerate, to produce combat drones and missiles. Presented as a “strategic association”, the agreement establishes in particular to develop a Europeanized version of Fury Combat drone. This machine was baptized YFQ-44 by the United States Air Force, which plans to fly along with the F-35 combat plane, and later, the Sixth Generation F-47 plane.
Then, in mid-July, it is Airbus’s turn to announce the signing of an agreement with the American Kratos: the association is based on the exploitation of the XQ-48a Drone Valkyrie designed by Kratos, in which Airbus would integrate their own mission systems (sensors, etc.). The European aircraft manufacturer wants to turn it into a device “ready for -chombat” of 2029, with the ambition to equip the German Air Force.
A day later, General Atomics, a heavyweight of the sector (already equips the Air Force and space with MQ-9 Reaper), attracts in turn and reveals a collaboration with its German subsidiary, General Atomics AeroTec Systems, “the rapid delivery of a European collaborative combat drone”, which will be a derivative of its European and European design design protection systems in Europe.
The emergence of “accompanying drones”
The objective is clear: to position yourself in the German market, first, before expanding to other European countries. Rheinmetall Armin Papperger told analysts in early August that the need for the German armed forces was estimated at around 400 planes of this type.
Called “CCA”, for “collaborative combat aircraft” (collaborative combat aircraft), these aircraft were also called deported effectors (“remote carriers) or” loyal wing “(faithful end). This type of drones, which will be designed for ammunition ammunition, pumps or missile ammunition, are an integral part of future air fighting systems that are currently developed by different countries (Scaf Franco-German-Spanish, Anglo-Toippon, American Ngad).
In France, Dassault Aviation pursues the development of its neuronal technological demonstrator, which will accompany the future Rafale in its missions and a longer maturity, perhaps the future European combat plane. Airbus had presented its Wingman Combat drone in 2024 to support Eurofighter. More recently, the Spanish manufacturer Indra has raised the veil in its own CCA, stamped “100% Spanish”, the Valerio, whose first developments began in 2023. Another player with a European vocation, the German-Franco-British Helsing company, could also be invited to this new war of drones.
Danger or opportunity for European sovereignty?
These German-American associations would have the advantage that the German industry benefits from the US strike force and have already developed technologies or developing, but on the contrary, it can also cause a certain degree of dependence on the provider of the main system, that is, the drone.
In the perspective where these associations will really be implemented, they could make it possible to acquire equipment faster, most of the development work has already been carried out on the US side. On the other hand, the drone is of American design, it will undoubtedly escape from the ITAR regulations (International Arms Traffic Regulations), a control device established by the United States to regulate (and restrict) exports and re -exportations of military equipment.
Initially designed to protect the US industry and preserve technological superiority, the significant regulations “also limit the operational flexibility of allied countries”, can be read in an IFRI report on transatlantic relations between the bases of industrial and technological defense (BITD).
“By minimizing its exposure to mean, Europe can rationalize its supply processes, strengthen its operational sovereignty and guarantee its freedom to act independently in future conflicts,” indicate the authors, which conclude by evoking the need for a common long -term strategy to achieve “real industrial autonomy.”
Source: BFM TV
