Trilateral Collaboration: UK, Sweden, and Italy Unite for Future Combat Air Capability Development
The UK, Sweden, and Italy have initiated a groundbreaking trilateral industry partnership aimed at enhancing collaboration in the combat air domain. This initiative seeks to create world-class advancements in future combat air capabilities.
This innovative framework brings together the expertise and resources of leading defense organizations from these three nations, focusing on the research and development of state-of-the-art technologies in the combat air sector.
Key players from the UK include BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, Rolls Royce, and MBDA UK. Italy is represented by Leonardo Italy, Elettronica, Avio Aero, and MBDA Italia, while Sweden contributes with Saab and GKN Aerospace Sweden.
This announcement marks a significant evolution from prior bilateral engagements, formalizing an industry group dedicated to assessing collective strategies for advancing combat air capabilities. The collaboration taps into the wealth of expertise, technology, and innovation inherent in each nation’s defense sector.
By establishing this tri-national platform, the industries aim to enhance joint efforts in the development of future combat air systems. This collaboration is vital for sustaining national security and promoting economic growth across the UK, Sweden, and Italy, as each industry employs tens of thousands of individuals and contributes to numerous skilled jobs through their supply chains.
Insights from Industry Leaders
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems, remarked:
“International collaboration offers the best opportunity for developing a versatile and upgradeable combat air system. Our progress with Saab and Leonardo marks a crucial step forward, enabling us to leverage our combined strengths to maximize potential across our three nations.”
Alessandro Profumo, Chief Executive Officer, Leonardo, expressed:
”This moment holds historic significance for all three nations. The Tempest project will serve as the foundation for a unified defense system that surpasses combat air alone. It promises significant economic gains and technological advancements for Italy and our partners. If we execute our strategy effectively, our aerospace and defense sectors will flourish for generations.”
Micael Johansson, Chief Executive Officer, Saab, commented:
“Combat air is crucial to Sweden’s national defense strategy. Saab is committed to advancing System of Systems and cutting-edge technologies in combat air. We appreciate the support from both the Swedish and UK governments, highlighted in the July 2019 MoU, and look forward to fostering stronger ties with the Italian defense sector. Our initial £50 million investment in Future Combat Air and the establishment of a new FCAS center in the UK will enhance our collaboration with other FCAS industry partners and the UK Ministry of Defence.”
The collaboration among the UK, Sweden, and Italy extends beyond strategic discussions. The nations are already engaged in the joint development of the Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile, currently utilized by Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-35 aircraft. Additionally, Swedish-made chaff and flare dispensers are integral to the UK’s Typhoons, while Saab’s Giraffe radar technology plays a vital role in the UK’s Sky Sabre ground defense system. The cooperative efforts continue with both the Royal Air Force and the Aeronautica Militare operating a formidable fleet of Eurofighter Typhoon and F-35 aircraft—an outcome of over 50 years of collaborative advancement in combat air capabilities.
