France May Buy Reaper UAVs

France May Buy Reaper UAVs (NSI News Source Info) PARIS - October 21, 2008: French officials are talking with General Atomics about buying the Reaper UAV, also known as the Predator B, as part of their search for a surveillance system to back up combat troops deployed in Afghanistan, sources familiar with the talks said.

A General Atomics executive told NSI that France, as well as a number of European countries, are interested in the Predator B. (General Atomics)

A General Atomics executive recently visited the Délégation Générale pour l'Armement procurement office, a defense official said Oct. 17. The French authorities would prefer to choose "a European system" but are exploring options with a number of suppliers, the official said. No decision has been taken yet. A General Atomics executive said, "France, as well as a number of European countries, has an interest in Predator B. We decline to make a comment on this interest at this time." The Aug. 18 ambush of a joint French-Afghan army patrol highlighted the need for situational awareness, a second defense executive said. French commanders relied on a U.S. Predator to provide "eyes" on the clash in the remote Uzbeen mountain valley. "It's an opportunity for sharing data," the second executive said. Sharing data over the same network is vital, as it expands coverage and helps yield a common situational awareness. If France were to acquire the Reaper, the French army would likely share the data network used by American and British forces which operate that aircraft and the Reaper, thus pooling sovereignty and increasing military cooperation within the allied coalition. General Atomics is under pressure to deliver Predators and Reapers to U.S. forces but it might be possible for Washington to divert units to France, the first official said. Acquiring a new UAV has consequences, as the contractor plays a key role in supporting ground stations and the grid. The choice of supplier "embeds" the contractor with French forces, potentially strengthening relationships and making it easier for further sales of products and services. "It's a question of trust," the second executive said. The DGA has also studied acquiring Hermes 450 drones, owned by Thales UK and operated by British forces in Afghanistan under an "ISTAR by the hour" deal. Elbit of Israel builds the Hermes 450. The French Army is sending out the Sperwer tactical UAV, known as the Système de Drone Tactique Interimaire, to boost intelligence-gathering capabilities. Other equipment include a third Caracal EC725 and two Gazelle Viviane helicopters, two 120 mortars and electronic listening gear.