General Atomics, the US-based unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) maker, plans to replicate its recent expansion into the UK throughout Europe, the Middle East and beyond
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With demand in its home market likely to grow stronger, General Atomics is set to maintain its focus on international partnerships to bolster future deals, according to Christopher Ames, director of Strategic Development for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
The new General Atomics UK presence (announced on 30 March) is "emblematic" of its commitment to UAV contracts with the Ministry of Defence, Ames told Jane's . The MoD has procured six UAVs, a number that is set "to nearly double in the next few years", he added.
In addition to pursuing partnerships with Germany and Canada in support of planned Predator B UAV sales, the company is in procurement discussions with the Netherlands, whose recent White Paper suggested a strong need for UAVs, despite implementing cuts to personnel and major equipment programmes.
Having sold its UAVs to Italy, General Atomics is also in negotiations with France regarding the Reaper for the country's short-term needs. "There they call it a gap-filler between the capability they have now and some, perhaps, European aircraft in the not-too-distant future," said Ames on 13 April.
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