EADS, the largest European aerospace company, Sukhoi
Corporation, the Russian defence technology sales company
Rosoboronexport and the European missile manufacturer MBDA have
signed a protocol at the Paris Air Show
The protocol outlines opportunities for co-operation in the areas
of joint development of future defence systems including UCAV
technology, possibilities for inclusion of MBDA missile systems for
Sukhoi fighter aircraft, joint product support activities and
aircraft modernisation.
"This agreement is an important move in our strategy to further
develop the EADS defence business globally. EADS believes that
innovation is our competitive strength, and the teaming agreement
with Sukhoi is important for the development of technology for
future defence systems", said Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich,
the CEOs of EADS.
Mikhail Pogosyan, General Director of Sukhoi, said: "This agreement
is a major milestone for Russian-European co-operation in the
defence industry and combines the strengths of two world
leaders."
Marwan Lahoud, MBDA Chief Executive Officer, said: "MBDA, which has
been developing, manufacturing and exporting missiles for over 50
years, is a major player in the air-launched weapons market. This
co-operation with Sukhoi will be mutually beneficial as it will
give us both market opportunities."
The partners will set up a working group, which will develop the
issues of the protocol.