Germany's Diehl BGT Defence and US unmanned air vehicle company General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have agreed to co-operate on core UAV development in support of General Atomics' offer of the Predator medium-altitude UAV to Germany. The deal means Diehl will have access to production of the Predator and would have an equal work share in the programme if the Predator is selected over the competing EADS MALE system. Meanwhile, the Diehl group's missile and ammunition businesses have been merged, with the new company to be called Diehl BGT Defence KG. Diehl says the move positions the company to respond better to the need to concentrate resources as the German armed forces undergo significant restructuring as well as preparing it for expansion in reconnaissance, force protection, training and simulation and the increasing homeland security market.
Source: Flight International
