In
Greek mythology, Telemos was the prophetic son of Eurymos,
known for having the vision and foresight to warn Polyphemus
about an attack by Odysseus.
The
two companies will jointly present the capabilities that
underpin the Telemos programme at the Paris Air Show from
June 20th - 26th.
Following
the signing of an exclusive Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) between the two companies earlier this year, the
Telemos programme will ensure that the considerable end-to-end
systems capabilities of both BAE Systems and Dassault
are successfully brought together to deliver a joint proposal
to the UK and French Ministries of Defence for the design,
development, production and support of a MALE UAS that
will help safeguard the sovereign operational capability
of the UK and France in the future.
Peter
Richardson, Strategy and Technology Director for BAE Systems
Military Air & Information said:
"Since
the signing of the MOU earlier this year we have continued
to work together to ensure that, as soon as the two Governments
formally launch their requirement, we are well placed
to develop the future frontline capability they require.
We have already set up a joint team and will look to strengthen
this with other leading industry players to ensure that
the Telemos programme will develop a cost-effective, autonomous
system in the required timescales."
Eric
Trappier, Executive Vice President International at Dassault
Aviation also commented:
"We
believe that Dassault Aviation and BAE Systems are the
only companies with the experience, skills and capabilities
to meet the requirements of our two Governments and the
strong Telemos team will ensure that we provide the capability
they are looking for, whilst assisting the sustainment
of sovereign industrial capabilities which both governments
have invested in developing. The key thing we need now
is the political decision to transform this process into
the first firm activity under the Anglo-French treaty
on defence co-operation."
